About ECSA
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All government agencies and their activities are governed by legislation. The following Acts and Regulations are administered by the Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA):
These statutes provide the requirements enabling ECSA to conduct all aspects of state general elections and by-elections, referendums, local government periodic and supplementary elections, and the First Nations Voice to SA Parliament election.
In addition to these, ECSA conducts elections for many non-government bodies on request. Elections for non-government bodies are regulated by the relevant election rules contained in their Acts or constitutions (some of which are listed below).
Other statutes
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The Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) was founded in 1907 and is the statutory independent agency responsible for conducting state and council elections in South Australia.
In addition to state and council elections, ECSA also conducts many elections each year by request for community organisations, boards, and private companies, under section 8(2)(b) of the Electoral Act 1985.
Due to current commitments regarding the 2026 state election and periodic local government elections, ECSA will not be undertaking any community and commercial elections until 2027.
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The Electoral Commission SA is legislatively responsible for:
- conducting and administering elections,
- ensuring electors are enrolled to vote,
- registering political parties, and
- maintaining the electoral roll in conjunction with the Australian Electoral Commission.
The Electoral Commission SA's main functions are to conduct:
- State and Council elections every four years, including House of Assembly by-elections and council supplementary elections,
- to provide community awareness programs on the electoral system, and,
- to conduct elections for statutory authorities such as the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Executive Board, Super SA, Super SA Select, Funds SA, the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia, and the South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board.
In addition the Electoral Commission SA also conducts fee-for-service elections and ballots for other organisations that require the appointment of an independent Returning Officer. These elections are generally conducted by post and include the election of office bearers to committees and boards and also the conduct of enterprise agreement ballots.
The Electoral Commission SA conducts the entire election process in accordance with the organisation's constitution and/or election rules. Where the election rules are deficient, the Electoral Commission SA may provide advice on established electoral practices and processes, such as:
- provision of a list of eligible voters,
- nominations,
- methods of voting,
- informality,and
- counting procedures.
To conduct an election or ballot, the organisation must provide the Electoral Commission SA a certified list of eligible voters.
For further information visit our Publications page.
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Introducing Paula Hensing
Paula is a dedicated and passionate Legal Studies and Civics educator with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades.
She champions the importance of civics education, passionately believing that a thriving democracy relies on an informed citizenry that understands and embraces their voting responsibilities.
As a long-standing volunteer committee member of the Legal Education Teachers Association SA (LETASA) for more than 20 years, Paula has been honoured with multiple awards in recognition of academic excellence, significant contributions to curriculum development, and outstanding event facilitation.
With extensive experience in state electoral processes and a comprehensive understanding of the Australian Curriculum: Civics and Citizenship, as well as SACE Legal Studies, Paula is committed to delivering authentic electoral education, fostering student agency, and empowering students to find and use their voice in civic life.
You can contact Paula via email:
ATTENTION: Education Officer
Paula is based in our Light Square, Adelaide offices.
Paula out and about
Taking democracy to the classroom | Regional road trip - Education 2025
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The Australasian Parliamentary Educators Annual Conference 2024
Hosted in Adelaide, SA for 2024, the theme for 2024 Challenge Accepted - Overcoming Barriers to Delivering Civics Education, included a trip to the Zoo to visit the Tigers. The conference focused on the different barriers parliamentary, electoral and related education officers face when planning, delivering and promoting programs – with workshops and activities to consider possible solutions.
Pictured below with Paula is Natalie, Community Education and Engagement Manager, Parliament of South Australia.
