Nominating as an Elected Member
Nominations for council elections open Tuesday 26 January 2027 and close 12 noon Tuesday 9 February 2027.
You can submit your nomination online through the Electoral Commission SA's (ECSA) candidate portal.
If you are eligible to vote in your local council elections (with very few exceptions) you are also eligible to stand for a position on council.
Why become a candidate for council (an elected member)?
Becoming an elected member can be a rewarding role. If you feel strongly with any of the below for the benefit of your broader community, you should explore what it takes to be a council member and potentially nominate yourself for council elections.
- Passionate about the future of your community
- Willing to learn and participate with others
- Prepared to contribute strategically to decision making processes.
If you are interested in representing the people of your community on council, the Electoral Commission SA (ECSA) and the Local Government Association of SA (LGA) provide a range of resources to help you understand the role and responsibilities of being a councillor.
The Nomination Kit is a useful resource you can use to walk through considerations on what is needed to prepare for becoming a council member.
Full Nomination Kit Coming Soon
If you are unsure as to whether you are eligible please contact the Returning Officer for the 2026 council elections, telephone – (08) 7424 7400.
Nomination process – how to nominate
Nominations for the 2027 council elections open Tuesday 26 January 2027 and close at 12 noon Tuesday 9 February 2027.
During this period, you must complete and lodge your nomination with ECSA by 12 noon on 9 February 2027 via the candidate portal.
Useful resources for interested candidates
Nomination kit
The Nomination Kit contains 3 PDF documents that can help you on your journey to becoming a candidate. The nomination kit includes:
- Make a Difference - Nominate for Council handbook (2027) by LGA
- Candidate's Handbook by ECSA
- Candidate Profile and Photograph requirements guide by ECSA
Full Nomination Kit Coming Soon
Free Candidate Briefing Sessions by ECSA
To be Advised
Organised and hosted by ECSA, these free Candidate Briefing Sessions will be available online and face-to-face, and will explain:
- The election timetable
- Nomination procedures
- How to successfully nominate using the new online portal
- Tips for campaigning
- The voting procedures and processes
- Disclosure returns
Free Candidate Briefing Sessions by District Council of Mount Remarkable
To Be Advised
Please register at the below website and also email postmaster@mtr.sa.gov.au with your interest.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have more questions about nominating for council? Visit the Council Elections website to find out more.
Authorised by Marc Gardner CEO, PO Box 94 Melrose SA 5483
2027 Council Election key dates
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
Enrolment closes Enrol to vote at your council elections. Enrol now or check your enrolment status online. | 5:00pm, Monday 4 January 2027 |
Nomination opens Interested in running for council? You will need to nominate to become a candidate before you can start campaigning your candidacy. | Tuesday 26 January 2027 |
Nomination closes Your nomination to become a candidate has to be sent in before this deadline. | 12:00pm, Tuesday 9 February 2027 |
Voting opens Ballot packs will be sent to the mailing address you used during your enrolment. Keep an eye out for it in the mail! Instructions and guides on how to vote are included in the ballot pack. | Thursday 11 March - Wednesday 17 March 2027 |
Voting closes This is your last day to vote for your preferred candidate running for your council. | 5:00pm, Wednesday 7 April 2027 |
Scrutiny and count Votes are counted and scrutinised (if requested) before winners are announced by Electoral Commission of South Australia. | 9:00am, Saturday 10 April 2027 |
Authorised by Marc Gardner CEO, PO Box 94 Melrose SA 5483