The Western Australia state election is approaching, and as early voting gains popularity in WA it’s already making an impact. According to political commentator Peter Kennedy, who spoke to Doug on Table Talk, more than half of voters are expected to cast their ballots before election day.
Early Voting Begins
Early voting started yesterday morning, and voters wasted no time. “I heard there were a dozen people lined up outside the booth in Kalgoorlie, ready to go,” Kennedy shared. “They came to get their voting done and over with.”
This shift in voter behaviour has changed how political parties campaign. “Since early voting became an option, its popularity has steadily increased,” Kennedy explained. “Last election, more than 50% of voters had already cast their ballots before polling day.”
Campaign Strategies Are Changing
With so many people voting early, political parties have adjusted their approach. “In the past, parties held their official campaign launches the weekend before election day,” Kennedy noted. “Now, both the Liberal and Labor parties have already launched their campaigns two weeks in advance.”
Parties also need to be strategic about when they announce major policies. “If a party holds back a big policy reveal until the final days, many voters will have already made their decision,” he said. “That’s why most major policies are out by now.”
The Role of Social Media
Social media has also changed election campaigns. “I don’t pretend to be an expert on social media,” Kennedy admitted, “but I know parties rely heavily on it. Younger supporters run social media campaigns to engage young voters, who are more likely to use these platforms.”
Electoral Changes in the Upper House
This election brings a major change to the upper house voting system. “Until now, WA had six regions, each electing six members,” Kennedy explained. “This time, those regions have been abolished. Instead, the entire state votes as one electorate, similar to the Senate.”
This change has sparked debate. “With most voters living in the city, there’s concern the new system could favour urban candidates over regional ones,” he said. “Some in the regions feel their voices won’t be heard.”
Key Election Issues
Several issues will influence voters, with the cost of living being a major concern. “Cost of living is affected by both state and federal decisions,” Kennedy said. “It’s a big issue, especially for young families. Governments have provided subsidies for power bills, and they hope voters remember that when they cast their ballots.”
Another hot topic is the federal government’s decision to phase out live sheep exports. “Agricultural areas aren’t happy about it,” he noted. “They see it as the end of an important industry, and there could be a reaction at the polls.”
Federal Politics and the WA Election
Federal politics could also play a role in the state election. “Some say state and federal issues are separate, but they often overlap,” Kennedy explained. “There’s even speculation that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese could announce a federal election right after WA’s state election.”
Looking Ahead
As early voting gains popularity in WA, this election will test how much this adjustment, and new campaign strategies, impact the results. With key issues like cost of living and regional representation on voters’ minds, the outcome could shape WA’s political landscape for years to come.
Listen to the full conversation below.