Visit the Electoral Education Centre

The Electoral Education Centre is located within the Constitutional Centre of Western Australia buildings, at the corner of Havelock Street and Parliament Place, in West Perth. Bus parking is available outside the main entrance in Havelock Street. Metered car parking is available along Parliament Place, and there is a Red Cat bus stop opposite the Centre (Havelock stop). The EEC caters for both casual visitors and groups of up to 80 individuals. A prior booking is essential for group visits involving more than a few people. You may wish to combine your visit to the EEC with a tour of Parliament House and an inspection of the Constitutional Centre's displays.

A typical group visit to the EEC revolves around three main activities:

• A stimulating and innovative multi-media presentation in our theatrette.
• A simulated mock election in a polling place / teaching facility where participants cast a vote and help count the result. With school groups, elections are often held using chocolate bars, cars or favourite food as "candidates", to help demonstrate the preferential system of voting. However, if a special election is required (eg. class president), with prior notice, a special ballot paper can be designed. Teachers may also wish to bring along class lists to use as an electoral roll.
• The sequence of events that occur on polling day is demonstrated to students as well as the nature of compulsory and preferential voting and the relationship between electoral districts/ regions and seats in the Parliament.
• Comprehensive visual and interactive displays covering State, Commonwealth, and Local Government - where visitors may use activity sheets to help them discover information about the electoral system. There are individual activity sheets suitable for years 5, 6, 9 and 11/12 students. Answer sheets to accompany the activity sheets are available. Students do not need to bring any stationary with them as they are supplied with pencils and files at the Centre.

Teachers and group coordinators can be provided with information kits and other material prior to a planned visit.

With prior notification, presentations can be tailored to meet the specific needs of any group - in terms of subject matter, style and duration.

Admission Costs

Admission to the Electoral Education Centre is free. A range of resource materials are also available at no cost.

Length of Visit

Teachers should allocate one and a half hours for a standard group visit, however, times can be varied to suit a particular group's requirements.

Opening Hours

The EEC is open weekdays from 8.30am - 4.30pm. With prior arrangement, groups wishing to visit the Centre on weekends or in the evening, can generally be accommodated.

How to make a Booking

For bookings or enquiries, contact the friendly staff at the Centre. Click here for contact details.

Teacher and Student comments

Since opening in May 1992, the Centre has hosted school groups involving thousands of student, teachers and parents. Their response to the EEC's programs has been overwhelmingly positive, as these comments demonstrate:

"The excursion was voted a HUGE success by the children and their teacher. Thank you for a wonderful time." Teacher, Kyilla Primary

"An excellent resource centre - it makes a topic that can be fairly 'dry' a great learning experience. Thoroughly enjoyed it. " Teacher, Hampton SHS

"This was one of the best excursions we have been to. FANTASTIC." Teacher, Safety Bay Primary "I can't wait to be 18 so I can vote. It was a great excursion and one of the best I have been on." Student, West Midland Primary

"A very valuable excursion. Excellent timing and relevant information. One of the better excursions we have been on. Thanks." Teacher, Woodvale SHS

^top