Participating in your local council election is one of the most direct ways you can make a difference to everyday life in your community.
Councils are part of the democratic framework of Australia. The community elects their council members every four years. The next periodic Council Election will happen in November 2026.
Unlike State and Federal elections, it is not compulsory to vote in South Australian council elections and all voting is done by post. Enrolled voters receive a voting pack through the mail and return their votes in a reply – paid envelope.
The rules for elections are set out in the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 - an act of the South Australian Parliament.
2026 Council elections timetable:
- Roll Close - 5pm, Friday 31 July 2026
- Nominations Open - Tuesday 25 August 2026
- Nominations Close - 12noon, Tuesday 8 September 2026
- Mail out of voting materials - Thursday 15 October 2026 - Wednesday 21 October 2026
- Close of voting - 5pm, Wednesday 11 November 2026
- Scrutiny and Count - 9am, Saturday 14 November 2026
This content is authorised by CEO Sharon Mason, Ramsay Pl, Noarlunga Centre SA 5168
Are you thinking of nominating for your local council? The next local government elections will be held in November 2026.
Refer to the Electoral Commission SA website for eligibility criteria.
The Elections Review Act commenced on 1 January 2026, in which, legislation was introduced whereby a person must be a State Elector to vote in council elections
The voters roll for council elections consists of two components – the state (House of Assembly) electoral roll, and the council supplementary roll.
Prior to the local government election in November 2026:
Form 1(PDF, 652KB) – Council Voters Roll Natural Person(PDF, 652KB)
use this form if you are on the House of Assembly Roll for State Elections and if you are a sole owner of property in our council area but do not live in our Council area or if you are an occupier of property in our Council area but you don’t live at that property.
Form 2(PDF, 795KB) –(PDF, 795KB) Council Voters Roll Body Corporate(PDF, 795KB)
use this form for if you are a sole business owner or occupier.
Form 3(PDF, 822KB) –(PDF, 822KB) Council Voters Roll Groups Owners/Occupiers(PDF, 822KB)
use this form if your property is jointly owned or occupied by businesses, individual people or a combination of both.
To find out which ward you live in, view the city wide interactive and individual ward maps.