Glossary

GLOSSARY - C

Candidate

A person who nominates for election.

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Canvassing

The process of attempting to persuade electors to vote in a particular way.

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Casual Vacancy

A vacancy prior to the expiration of the term usually caused by the retirement, death or resignation of the current member.

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Certified List - See Electoral Roll

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Coalition

A combination of two or more parties in Parliament, usually to form a government or opposition.

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Compulsory Enrolment

All eligible persons are required by law to enrol. Fines can be imposed for non-compliance.

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Compulsory Voting

Once enrolled to vote for State and Federal parliamentary election, voting is compulsory. There is a penalty for failing to vote without a valid and sufficient reason. Voting in the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia became compulsory in 1936.

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Conjoint General Election

An election for all the seats in both Houses of State Parliament.

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Council

Administrative body of a Local Government district.

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Court of Disputed Returns

The Court of Disputed Returns has jurisdiction to hear petitions in which the validity of any election or return is disputed. A single Supreme Court Judge exercises this jurisdiction for Parliamentary Elections and a Magistrate for Local Government Elections.

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Cross bench

Seats for members of Parliament who belong to neither the government nor the opposition parties.

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