Dogs West Annual General Meeting 2023

The Canine Association of Western Australia Inc 2023 AGM

Date: Wednesday 30 August 2023

Time: 7.00 pm

Location: Members Lounge, Dogs West 602 Warton Rd, Southern River

Agenda available here.

Governing Council Elections 2023

We're making voting simpler and more convenient with an electronic voting option for 2023.

Dogs West has engaged Vero Voting, an independent voting service, to ensure a fair and impartial election. Your vote matters, and we want to guarantee that every single one is counted accurately.

All voting information will be readily available on our website, so you can effortlessly access everything you need. Voting information and ballot papers will also be posted to all members, financial as at 30 June 2023.

2023 Elections will elect the Vice President and three (3) Governing Councillors.

Elected until: Vice President, 2025 AGM

                        Governing Councillor, three (3), 2026 AGM

                        Deputy Councillor, three (3), 2024 AGM

Counting of postal votes will take place on FRIDAY 25 AUGUST 2023 at Dogs West Boardroom from 9am. Members are welcome to attend.

Final Results

Counting of postal votes will take place on FRIDAY 25 AUGUST 2023 at Dogs West Boardroom from 9am. Members are welcome to attend.

The postal votes will be shared with Vero to collate. Once the final tally is complete, a Declaration of Results will be released by Dogs West media channels from Monday 28 August.

Voting Period

Online Voting Opens: Tuesday 1 August 2023 at 9:00hrs AWST (9:00AM)

All Voting Closes: Wednesday 23 August 2023 at 16:30hrs AWST (4:30PM)

Common Questions

Why has Dogs West changed their voting process?

Dogs West has introduced changes to our voting process with the aim of enhancing member participation and improving the voting experience.

By offering multiple voting methods, Members now have the flexibility to cast their votes conveniently from various locations and times. The new voting options ensure greater accessibility for all members. Additionally, the adoption of electronic voting allows Members who couldn't deliver their votes in person before the cut-off time to submit them securely and swiftly online.

When was electronic voting approved?

The approval for electronic voting was a significant decision made in response to our commitment to enhancing the voting experience for all Members. The process of researching various providers of an electronic voting system commenced in September 2022 and ultimately, during the Governing Council meeting held on 23 March 2023, the appointment of Vero Voting as the official electronic voting provider was approved.

Dogs West carefully selected Vero Voting as our trusted partner for several reasons. Foremost among them is Vero's distinguished position as an independent third-party voting provider approved by the Australian Electoral Commission. This accreditation underscores Vero's reliability and credibility in managing voting processes. Additionally, Dogs West was particularly impressed by Vero's commitment to security. Vero's voting technology is engineered with robust security measures in place, safeguarding the privacy and accuracy of each member's vote throughout the entire process.

How do you vote if you don’t use email?

We understand that not all members utilise email as their preferred means of communication. In order to ensure inclusivity and accommodate diverse voting preferences, we have retained the option to vote by mail. However, we are also excited to offer additional voting choices to enhance accessibility and convenience for all our members. Vero offers three voting methods for you to consider:

• Online voting:Cast your vote seamlessly from your mobile device, PC, or other electronic devices such as iPads.
• Telephone voting: Simply call 1800 865 180 and follow the prompts.
• Postal voting:For those who prefer the traditional paper ballot, Vero will dispatch all necessary ballot papers to your address. Accompanying these ballots, you will also receive a reply envelope, simplifying the process of returning your vote to Vero.

We are committed to ensuring that every member's voice is heard, irrespective of their chosen method of voting. These options are designed to provide you with flexibility and ease in exercising your voting rights. Your contribution to the Dogs West community is invaluable, and we sincerely appreciate your active participation in shaping our shared future.

Will Dogs West be able to view electronic votes as they are submitted?

No, Dogs West will not have access to view the results of electronic votes until 9am on Friday, 25 August. The voting process ensures the privacy and confidentiality of each Member's vote until the designated time for result disclosure. Rest assured that your vote will remain secure and undisclosed until the appropriate announcement.

Will this mean Members can vote more than once?

No, Members are permitted to submit only one vote. The voting system is designed to prevent duplicate submissions. Any duplicate submissions will be duly noted by the scrutineer and removed from the final vote count, ensuring a fair and accurate representation of the Members' choices. Your vote matters, and the process is structured to uphold integrity and fairness throughout.

If you have further queries, do not hesitate to contact Dogs West on k9@dogswest.com.