Information about nominating

 Legislative Council candidates may be:

• independent ungrouped (not endorsed by a political party)
• independent grouped (not endorsed by a political party)
• endorsed by a registered political party.

Independent ungrouped candidates

Independent ungrouped candidates are not aligned to other candidates.

Independent ungrouped candidates must be nominated by at least 250 persons who are enrolled and qualified to vote for the Legislative Council.

Nominations must be accompanied by a deposit of $3,000 in banker's cheque (not a personal cheque) or electronic funds transfer (EFT) to the Electoral Commission of South Australia. If EFT is made you must provide a printed receipt showing successful lodgement of payment.

Intending candidates must contact the returning officer for the Legislative Council to arrange a time to lodge a nomination. You must lodge the following before the close of nominations:

• A completed nomination form
• The details and signatures of at least 250 nominators who are electors enrolled and qualified to vote for the Legislative Council
• A $3,000 deposit (banker’s cheque of EFT)

 It is recommended that nominations are lodged early to allow time to check the names of all nominators.

Independent grouped candidates

Independent grouped candidates are listed on the ballot paper with other similar candidates by agreement. They are not members of a registered political party.

Independent grouped candidates must be nominated by at least 250 persons who are enrolled and qualified to vote for the Legislative Council district.

Nominations must be accompanied by a deposit of $3,000 in banker's cheque (not a personal cheque) or electronic funds transfer (EFT) to the Electoral Commission of South Australia. If EFT is made you must provide a printed receipt showing successful lodgement of payment.

Intending candidates must contact the returning officer for the Legislative Council to arrange a time to lodge a nomination. You must lodge the following before the close of nominations:

• A completed nomination form for every candidate
• The details and signatures of at least 250 nominators who are electors, for every candidate
• A $3,000 deposit for every candidate

It is recommended that nominations are lodged early to allow time to check the names of all nominators.

Registered political party endorsed candidates

To nominate as a candidate endorsed by a registered political party, complete a nomination form and return it to your party's registered officer. The registered officer may then lodge directly with the Electoral Commission of South Australia.

Registered officers must submit the following before the close of nominations:

• all the party's nomination forms, and
• a deposit of $3,000 in banker's cheque or EFT for each candidate nominated

Nominations for the 2026 State Election open on 23 February 2026

Key dates

• 23 February 2026: Nominations open
• 27 February 2026: Roll close and party bulk nominations close
• 2 March 2026: Independent nominations close and House of Assembly and Legislative Council nominations declared

Nomination forms and guides will become available in 2026.