¶ FIVE candidates will contest four seats in the upcoming Collie Shire local government election.
Sitting councillors John Kearney, Michelle Smith and Brett Hansen have renominated, and Rob Wells and Andrew Cayzer are the other two candidates.
Councillor Leonie Burton will not recontest her seat following the expiration of her four-year term, and councillor Shane Sadlier will also not recontest his seat.
The four candidates who receive the most votes will be elected for four-year terms, expiring in October 2029.
Under WA legislation, local governments with a population of between 5000 and 75,000 can be represented by between five and nine elected members.
Collie opted to transition to a reduced number of councillors over two election cycles, dropping to 10 in 2023 and nine this year.
As in recent elections, voting will be by postal ballot.
Under optional preferential voting, voters can number the candidates in order of preference, however all boxes do not need to be numbered.
Voters have the choice of voting for one candidate by putting a “1” next to their name, voting for some candidates by numbering them in order of preference, or voting for all candidates in order of preference.
Election packages, including ballot papers, candidate information and how-to-vote information, will be sent out this month.
Returned votes need to be received no later than 6pm on election day, Saturday, October 18.