Local government elections in Western Australia are scheduled for this Saturday, but with an anticipated turnout below 30%, WA stands as one of the few states where voting in local elections is not compulsory.

Click PLAY to hear about the council election.

Perth Today host Oliver Peterson spoke with Dr Andy Asquith, a University of Technology Industry Fellow for the Institute for Public Policy and Governance, who advocated for compulsory voting and mandatory declaration of candidate affiliations, citing a lack of transparency.

‘There is no rhyme nor reason why we have to vote in federal elections and state elections, but for some reason, local elections we don’t have to vote,’ he said.

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