Voting in Council Elections
Votes must be received before 5:00 pm Wednesday 7 April 2027.
Voting in your local council elections means voting for the person who will best represent your interests and needs fairly, while deciding about key things that happen in your local community.
Where do I go to vote?
Voting in council elections is by post (postal ballot).
Unlike state or federal elections, you do not need to go anywhere to cast your vote. Simply post your ballot paper. This makes it easy and convenient for anyone to vote.
How do I vote?
You must vote using your ballot paper that comes with your ballot pack.
A ballot pack (also known as a voting pack) will be mailed to you when the voting period opens. The ballot pack will contain:
- Information on your area’s candidates standing for election
- Ballot paper for you to mark your vote
- A ballot paper envelope to be signed
- A reply-paid envelope
- Instructions on how to vote (postal voting guide).
You will only receive a ballot pack if you enrolled to vote on the council’s voters roll or are on the state (House of Assembly) electoral roll.
Ballot pack mail-out period, Thursday 11 March - Wednesday 17 March 2027.
Learn about your candidates
The ballot paper in your ballot pack will show the candidates standing for election. A profile of each candidate will be posted to you with your postal voting papers. You can also contact the candidates and talk to them about what they want for the area and why they want to be elected.
You can also learn more about each candidate on the Electoral Commission SA website (available once voting material is issued).
Fill out your ballot paper
To make a formal vote, you must number at least as many boxes as there are vacancies, in the order of your choice.
For example, in a ward with 2 vacancies and 5 candidates:
You must use the numbers 1 and 2, in the order of your choice, to complete your ballot paper. If you wish, you may continue to number some (or all) of the other boxes (3, 4 or 5).
The number of vacancies and directions on how to complete your ballot will be shown on the ballot paper.
You can find more information about how to complete and return your vote to ensure it is valid on the Electoral Commission SA (ECSA).
Didn’t receive your ballot pack?
If you're enrolled to vote but did not receive your ballot pack in the mail, you can request a replacement ballot pack, please contact ECSA on 1300 655 232 to request for a new pack before the close of voting at 5:00 pm Wednesday 7 April 2027.
If you have made a mistake when marking your ballot paper, you do not need a new ballot pack. Correct your mistake on the same ballot paper by placing a line through the error and writing your choice beside the square. As long as your intention is clear, your vote will still count.
How do council elections work?
All local government elections are conducted using the counting system known as proportional representation. In summary, a candidate is elected when a quota or predetermined proportion of the total number of formal ballot papers cast is obtained.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have more questions about voting? 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