Overview
- The WA Electoral Commission reports about 516,000 votes cast statewide, equating to 29.7 percent participation, slightly below 2023 and broadly in line with recent cycles.
- Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley says she is considering compulsory voting and moving councillors to four-year terms in response to persistent low turnout.
- Fremantle elected Ben Lawver after a close count as he distanced himself from Maritime Union-funded attack ads that drew criticism from Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti.
- Regional participation varied sharply, with Halls Creek electing councillors on 14 and 15 first-preference votes from 13.6 percent turnout, while Dowerin reached 60.8 percent.
- Other notable results include Lorna Buchan unseating Rockingham mayor Deb Hamblin, Coolgardie president Malcolm Cullen losing his seat, and polls in Nedlands and Port Hedland deferred to March 28 under commissioners.