No poll as four seats filled uncontested – October 2025

This is not the first time Toodyay Shire councillors have been elected unopposed, with similar occurrences in 2021, 1992, 1991, 1982 and 1938.

Across Western Australia, the trend of unopposed candidates is on the rise.

Approximately 26% of candidates in the 2025 local government poll to be held on October 18

(but not in Toodyay) will be unopposed, a significant increase from 18 per cent in 2021.

Notre Dame University political analyst Martin Drum said, “It’s disappointing that the electors in the Shire of Toodyay don’t get to vote for their local representatives in 2025.
Adding, “Political representation works best when there is a choice for electors and its regional voters which often don’t get to make their selection.”

Historically, council elections in WA have also struggled with low voter turnout, with participation rates typically between 25-35 per cent of eligible voters.

This lack of participation may reflect a broader disengagement with local government and a reduced willingness to stand as a candidate.

The implications of candidates being elected unopposed are multifaceted.

On one hand, it ensures that council positions are filled and that the work of local government can continue uninterrupted.

Unopposed elections may also raise concerns about community engagement with local government and leave voters without a choice of candidates.

Without a contest, there is no opportunity for public debate on important issues between candidates and the community.

A spokesperson for the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety said that if only one candidate nominates for a vacancy or the number of candidates is equal to the number of vacancies, the candidate is elected unopposed and no vote of electors is held.

The department, in the lead up to the 2025 local government elections, rolled out a communications strategy covering radio, social media, website, webinars and print as well as in person candidate information sessions across WA to encourage people to nominate.