Albany election records highest voter turnout in non-mayoral count since 2010, has recount request denied

Albany voters turned out in droves to vote this year, with the council election — which was brushed by a bout of controversy — having the highest return rate in a non-mayoral election for 15 years. More than 38 per cent of eligible residents cast their votes for the 2025 local government election, representing 11,731 out of a possible 30,355 electors having their say. Non-mayoral elections typically attract lower turnouts than those to elect a mayor. The last to record a higher voting proportion was in 2010, when 39.37 per cent of voters took part in an extraordinary election to elect a single councillor for a one-year term. Saturday’s Albany election recorded a 38.7 per cent return rate, a figure significantly higher than the 27.5 per cent average of postal voting elections run by the WA Electoral Commission. Albany voters had a diverse field of candidates to choose from, with 23 people putting their names in the hat for four vacant positions. Results were officially declared by WAEC returning officer Sally Thomas on Tuesday morning, three days after the close of polls on Saturday. The City of Albany was among the last of WA’s local government areas to have its results announced, with a WAEC spokesperson citing “unforeseen disruptions” as the cause of the delay. The spokesperson also confirmed that a formal request for a recount was submitted to the returning officer, who considered but ultimately declined the request. The Advertiser understands the request was made by a candidate. In a statement, the City of Albany said re-elected councillors Robert Sutton and Tom Brough will be “continuing their dedication and service to the Albany community” and welcomed returning member Rebecca Stephens and newcomer Ian Clarke. Albany mayor Greg Stocks expressed his gratitude for the work of outgoing councillors — Malcolm Traill, Delma Baesjou and Amanda Cruse — who failed to secure additional terms. “I would like to sincerely thank our outgoing elected members for their dedication and contribution to Albany,” he said. “We also welcome back returning councillors Thomas Brough and Robert Sutton, along with Rebecca Stephens and first-time councillor Ian Clarke APM. “I want to thank our community for their participation and thoughtful input during this election. “With the experience of our returning members and the fresh perspectives from our new councillors, I am confident this council will continue to work collaboratively to guide Albany’s growth and prosperity.” The newly elected members will join Mr Stocks, deputy mayor Paul Terry and Crs Lynn MacLaren, Craig McKinley and Mario Lionetti at the council table. They will be officially sworn in at the October ordinary council meeting on Tuesday.