General Information

Councils are part of the democratic framework of Australia. The community elects their council members every four years and the next general elections will happen in November 2026.

The Local Government Association of SA has developed a Councils Election page, where you can find out more including:

• How to enrol to vote
• How to nominate as a candidate

Eligibility

The rules for nominating state that you must be:

• an Australian citizen
• this includes dual citizens
• eligible to vote in your area
• or are an officer of a body corporate nominated to vote
• or are a member and nominee of a group that is on the council voters roll for the area

You cannot run for council if you are:

• a State or Federal member of parliament
• not an Australian citizen
• bankrupt or receiving relief of insolvent debt
• disqualified from holding office by a court order
• a council employee of that area
• a candidate for election in another council
• a person in prison or sentenced to prison

You must be on your council’s voters roll to be eligible to run in council elections. Unsure if you're enrolled? Check your enrolment online, contact the council you enrolled with, or get in touch with Electoral Commission SA (ECSA) on 1300 655 232.

If you are not sure if you can nominate, contact Electoral Commission SA on 1300 655 232.

How to nominate

Nominations for the 2026 Councils Elections - dates for nominations will be provided by the Electoral Commission in mid 2026.

The Electoral Commission of SA's (ECSA) candidate portal will be accessible before nominations open.

The link to the portal will be provided closer to the nominations opening date.

Head to LGA’s Council Elections webpage to learn how to:

• Where to collect a nomination kit
• How to submit a nomination
• Preparing your candidate profile and optional photograph

Enrolling to vote in a Council Election

If you are already on the State Electoral roll for your Council area to vote in State elections you will automatically be on the Council voters roll and will receive ballot papers.  You should check your enrolment if you are in any doubt, or have moved between Council areas and not updated your enrolment.

However, if you are a landlord, business or resident non-Australian citizen and you wish to vote in Council elections you must enrol by completing an enrolment form.

• Resident, Sole Owner or Sole Occupier : Council Enrolment Form 1
• Business or Organisation Sole Owner or Occupier : Council Enrolment Form 2
• Group of Owners or Occupiers (property owned or occupied by more than one person) : Council Enrolment Form 3

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