Election signage can be placed on public land or private land if certain requirements are met. Find out more below.
Definition of Election Signage
Election signage refers to the promotional signage used by political candidates, political parties or any political material relating to any federal, state or local government election.
Development and Building Approvals for Election Signage
You do not need planning/development approval to place election signage on public or private land provided it complies with the following requirements which are outlined in clause 61 of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 (WA) deemed provisions:
- The signage is erected or installed in connection with an election conducted under the Commonwealth Electoral Act (Cth), Electoral Act 1907 (WA) or the Local Government Act 1995 (WA);
- The primary purpose of the sign is for political communication in relation to the election;
- The sign is not erected or installed until after the writ/s have been issued for the election (Federal or State Elections) or if a local government election, until the 36th day before the election; and
- The sign is removed no later than 48 hours after the closing of polls.
You do not need building approval to place portable election signage on public or private land.
Although you do not require development or building approval to place election signage, you may need approval from Main Roads if the signage will be placed on a State road reserve. You will also need the consent of the owner/occupier if you intend to place election signage on their land, or on the verge in front of their property.
Election Signage on Thoroughfares and Road Reserves
Signage may be placed on thoroughfares and road reserves provided it complies with the following conditions:
- The sign must not be installed or erected until after the writ/s have been issued for the election (Federal or State Elections) or if a local government election, until the 36th day before the election (for 2025 this is the 12 September 2025);
- The sign must be removed no later than 48 hours after the closing of polls;
- The sign must not cause a safety issue or danger for pedestrians or drivers using the thoroughfare;
- The signage must not obstruct sightlines for pedestrians, or persons driving along or entering or exiting onto the thoroughfare
- The sign must not obstruct the reasonable use or access to, from or over the thoroughfare;
- The sign must not be placed on a verge in front of private property unless you have permission from the property owner to do so;
- The sign must be free-standing i.e., not attached to any pole, post, fence, tree etc.
- The sign must be securely installed;
- The sign must not be illuminated or incorporate reflective or fluorescent materials; and
- The sign must be capable of being read on its own, and not display only part of a message which is to be read with other separate signs in order to obtain the whole message.
Signs not complying with the above may be removed.
Election Signage on State Road Reserves
If you wish to place signage on a State road reserve, you may need Main Roads approval. See their
Roadside Election Signs guidelines for more information.
Election Signage on Local Government Property Which Is Not a Thoroughfare or Road Reserve
Election signage is not permitted on any other local government property, including parks, reserves buildings etc.
Election Signage on Private Property
You will need the consent of the owner/occupier if you wish to place election signage on their land.