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
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:
- If you are on the State electoral roll you will automatically receive a voting pack mailed to your registered address.
- Persons not on the State Electoral Roll wishing to vote in Council Elections will be required to complete an enrolment form of eligibility and return to council. We are still awaiting the updated enrolment forms to be provided by ECSA. Refer to the Electoral Commission SA website for more information.
To find out which ward you live in, view the city wide interactive and individual ward maps.