Election day in Mandurah

VOTERS turned out in their droves across the Federal electorates of Brand and Canning on Saturday, to mark their votes for Western Australia’s six new senators.

Of WA’s 738 polling places, more than 30 were in the Peel region, including at Eastlake Church in Greenfields, where early voting was available.

Voters must choose six of a total 77 candidates, representing the Coalition, Labor, the Greens and the Palmer United Party as well as micro parties including the Shooters and Fishers Party and the WikiLeaks Party.

Australian Electoral Officer for Western Australia, Kathy Mitchell, said voters should take care when voting.

“While candidate or party representatives outside polling places may offer you ‘how-to-vote’ cards, the final decision rests with you,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Voting is compulsory and polling places across Western Australia open from 8am until 6pm sharp.

“Approximately 6500 polling officials will be on hand at 738 polling places throughout Western Australia.”

The election comes after the Australian Electoral Commission lost 1370 votes during a recount last year.