Rockingham by-election: One in five voters cast vote early in poll to replace former premier Mark McGowan

One in five Rockingham voters have made up their minds on who they want to replace former premier Mark McGowan as their member of Parliament. More than 5900 people have already cast their vote ahead of the State by-election on July 29, according to the Western Australian Electoral Commission. Early voting has been open for just one week but almost 4000 people — about 13 per cent of registered voters — have submitted their ballots at one of two early voting centres in Rockingham and Perth CBD. Another 1900 have completed postal votes. There are 30,213 enrolled voters in the Rockingham electoral district, meaning one in five (20 per cent) have already voted. Electoral Commissioner Robert Kennedy said it was “great to see” people were getting in early and choosing a voting option that worked for them. Mr Kennedy said postal voting applications were open until July 26. “You don’t need a special reason to vote early or by post but remember, voting is compulsory for anyone enrolled in the Rockingham electoral district,” he said. The WAEC said the Rockingham district appeared to be continuing its trend of early voting — at the 2021 State election, Rockingham was one of the busiest early voting centres in WA. “Postal votes for the Rockingham by-election are much higher at the moment than at the equivalent stage in 2021 but what is often witnessed is that early voting in person numbers continue to grow as we get closer to polling day,” the Commission said. As most candidates ramp up their campaigning efforts in the last 10 days leading up to the poll, WA Labor is in damage control after The West Australian revealed Magenta Marshall lost her licence less than two years ago for drink-driving. Ms Marshall blew 0.08 when pulled over by a booze bus in October 2021. She pleaded guilty to driving in excess and had her licence suspended for six months plus a $750 fine. Premier Roger Cook conceded it was “not a good look” but defended his party’s decision to preselect her. “It’s not a good look for anyone but Magenta owned up, she pleaded guilty, she paid the price,” Mr Cook said. Some voters have expressed their dismay at the conviction , while others have shrugged it off as a mistake from years ago. Early polls opened on July 12 and will close Friday July 28. The two early polling locations are at 5/8-19 Commodore Drive in Rockingham, next to Vinnies, and at the WA Electoral Commission on Level 2, 111 St Georges Terrace in the Perth CBD. There are also seven interstate locations for early voting and mobile polling is being held at some local aged care facilities and retirement communities. For more information, visit www.elections.wa.gov.au/rbe23.