Parliamentary and Electoral Reform Minister Geoff Gallop today reminded all Western Australian electors that they were required to vote in next Saturday's referendum.
He also issued a special reminder to all electors in the seat of Ashburton about voting in their by-election.
Saturday April 4 is the day when the daylight saving issue in WA will be decided by referendum. Voters will be required to write `yes' or `no' on the referendum paper to indicate whether or not they want daylight saving to continue.
In the Ashburton by-election in the North West, voters will be choosing their Member of Parliament in the Legislative Assembly. To register a valid vote, they must number each box on the ballot paper from one to three in the order of their choice.
"Based on the experience of other by-elections, as many as 20 per cent of electors in Ashburton could fail to vote," Dr Gallop said.
"As the referendum provides added impetus for people to vote next Saturday, it is to be hoped that there will be a very much stronger turn out than is usually registered in by-elections.
"In any event, voting for the referendum and the Ashburton by-election is compulsory, and those who forego their civic responsibility will be liable to be fined."
Dr Gallop reminded absentee voters that they could vote on Saturday at any booth throughout the State. Polling places would be open from 8.00am until 6.00pm. Votes could be cast prior to April 4 at the WA Electoral Commission, 480 Hay Street, Perth.
