Micromandering in WA Local Government

Definition

Micromandering (noun): A localised form of political manipulation, adapted from gerrymandering, where small factions work to control community perception, discussion spaces, and informal influence networks to secure advantage in local government.

Gerrymander — “manipulate the boundaries of (an electoral constituency) so as to favour one party or class; achieve (a result) by gerrymandering; ‘an attempt to gerrymander the election result’.”
— Oxford Languages (definition for context)

Unlike classic gerrymandering (redrawing maps), Micromandering manipulates the social boundaries of information, influence, and participation within a community to wilfully gain coercive control over council matters and shire‑wide decision‑making.

How it plays out in WA (no‑ward councils included)

In shires like Toodyay that no longer run wards — where every councillor is meant to represent the entire district — the goal isn’t to “win a patch”; it’s to tilt the whole shire. Common tactics include:

• Conversation control: dominating community groups (online or in‑person), limiting opposing views, coordinating posts/letters to keep a one‑sided narrative.
• Gatekeeping: sidelining or ejecting dissenters from “community” organisations to present artificial consensus.
• Problem invention: creating or exaggerating issues to present themselves as the only solution.
• Minority noise → majority illusion: mobilising a small but vocal base to appear broadly representative.
• Old‑network leverage: using old‑money/old‑school business relationships and historic family names to keep influence entrenched.
• Commercial opportunism: steering sentiment, zoning, or approvals toward mining, property, or industrial outcomes that favour a connected few.
• Badge shopping: selecting a candidate from any group they can influence (sporting club, hobby group, social association, “community” org) to borrow credibility and access a ready audience.
• Leap‑frogging: using a council seat to springboard into State/Federal politics — name recognition built at the community’s expense.

Why we keep electioneering out of our spaces

The Morangup Residents Group exists to connect locals, share genuine information, and help each other. Election‑season tactics like Micromandering divide communities, pressure newcomers, and bury practical issues under political noise. That’s why we have a clear rule:

No candidate promotion, no factional campaigning, no soft “drip‑feed” electioneering. Take it elsewhere.

Plain‑English policy (easy version)

• We don’t endorse candidates or parties.
• We won’t host campaigning. Posts designed to steer votes will be removed.
• We welcome discussion of real issues that affect all residents — minus the election spin.
• Respect across viewpoints. Disagreement is fine; intimidation and factional pile‑ons are not.

Spotting Micromandering quickly

• Posts that push “we know best — we’ve been here longest,” while dismissing other locals.
• Copy‑paste talking points turning up across multiple groups at once.
• “What have you done for our community?” guilt trips that mean “our clique,” not the whole district.
• Manufactured “crises” followed by instant “solutions” from the same small circle.

For new residents

You moved here for the lifestyle and community — not to be dragged into someone else’s political machine. Voting in WA local government elections is voluntary. If you choose to vote, make up your own mind based on issues that matter to you, not pressure in Facebook groups.

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Have evidence of Micromandering behaviour affecting Morangup or greater region? Share responsibly with admins and moderators via the contact page or MRG page inbox so we can keep the group healthy.
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