How to vote in the ECU Student Guild Senate elections

With the ECU Student Guild Senate elections moving to an in-person model this year, voters will cast their ballots on campus rather than online. This guide explains how to vote, where and when to vote, the postal voting option, and what to expect during the election process. It aims to make the experience straightforward for all students, including those studying at ECU Sri Lanka Campus who will use postal voting.

Where and when to vote

In-person voting will take place across three ECU campuses: Joondalup, Mount Lawley, and Bunbury. Polling stations will be set up at these campuses during the official polling window. The dates and times align with the election timetable published by the Returning Officer, so please plan to vote during these windows. If you are unable to vote in person, postal voting is available, and arrangements for postal ballots are outlined below. ECU Sri Lanka Campus students will vote by postal ballot only.

Postal voting: important details

Postal voting provides an accessible alternative for those who cannot attend a campus polling station. Important deadlines are as follows:

• Completed postal vote applications must be received by the Returning Officer no later than 12:00pm on Tuesday 7 October 2025.
• Completed postal ballot papers must reach the Returning Officer by the close of polls, 4:00pm on Wednesday 15 October 2025, to be included in the count.

A downloadable Postal Vote Application is available on the election site.

What to expect at the polls

If you vote in person, you should head to your nearest ECU campus polling location during the designated polling hours – Monday 13 October to Wednesday 15 October (10:00 to 16:00).  Election Officers will provide you with your ballot paper after you verify your eligibility. You will then vote for your preferred candidates and place your completed ballot paper into the ballot box. Polling staff will guide you through the process to ensure the experience is smooth and clear.

Steps to take before you vote

• Confirm your eligibility: Ensure you are eligible to vote and, if voting in person, that you are at the campus on the day of voting.
• For postal voting: If you need to vote by post, complete the postal vote application and return it by the deadline noted above.
• Identification: Bring your Student ID Card with you when voting so that the Election Officers can confirm your eligibility to vote and check you off the Electoral Roll.

Candidate information and transparency

To help you make informed choices, all eligible candidates will have candidate statements and contact details published in the Election Broadsheet. This document, which includes photographs and the offices candidates are contesting, is distributed in advance of the voting period so you can review platforms and priorities before you vote.

If you have questions or need assistance

• You can contact the Returning Officer or Election Officers with any election-related questions.
• For concerns about the process or if you wish to lodge a complaint, contact the Returning Officer at NPro_ECUStudentGuild@elections.wa.gov.au or 0455 440 020.