Council elections

Local Government Council Elections – Update

The next periodic local government council elections will now be held in April 2027 (previously scheduled for November 2026).

On this page

↓ Overview
↓ 2027 Council elections timetable
↓ Acts and regulations
↓ Standing as a candidate
↓ Responsibilities as a council member

Overview

Council elections are your opportunity to make your mark and represent your community. If you are passionate about your local area, willing to work as part of a team, keen to learn and ready to make a difference, you can nominate for a position on council.

In South Australia, whole‑of‑state council elections (called periodic elections) are held every four years for all 68 councils except the Municipal Council of Roxby Downs, which operates under its own administration.

If an elected position becomes vacant between periodic elections, the Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) may conduct a supplementary election. Vacancies can occur due to death, illness, resignation or other circumstances under the Local Government (Elections) Act.

This page provides an overview of council elections and links to more detailed information under the headings below.

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2027 Council elections timetable

  • Rolls close — 5pm, Monday 4 January 2027
  • Nominations open — Tuesday 26 January 2027
  • Nominations close — 12 noon, Tuesday 9 February 2027
  • Draw for ballot paper order — 9am, Wednesday 10 February 2027
  • Candidate profiles published online — no later than Tuesday 23 February 2027
  • Mail out of voting material — Thursday 11 March to Wednesday 17 March 2027
  • Close of voting (polling day) — 5pm, Wednesday 7 April 2027
  • Scrutiny and count — 9am, Saturday 10 April 2027

Acts and Regulations

The rules that govern council elections are set out in:

The Acts and Regulations should be read in conjunction with the Local Government Act 1999 and the City of Adelaide Act 1998. 

Standing as a candidate

Eligibility and responsibilities

To stand as a candidate in a South Australian council election, you must meet the eligibility requirements set out in the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. These requirements cover citizenship, enrolment, nomination rules, and circumstances where a person may be ineligible to run. Eligibility differs between periodic and supplementary elections, and additional conditions may apply depending on your situation

Candidates also have important responsibilities designed to support fair, transparent and lawful participation. These include ensuring all electoral material is properly authorised and not inaccurate or misleading, lodging the required disclosure returns during and after the election period, complying with restrictions on electoral advertising, and avoiding any conduct that may constitute an illegal practice under the Act.

Understanding and meeting both the eligibility requirements and candidate obligations helps maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

👉 Council candidate information

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Disclosure returns

A person who is a candidate for election to an office of a council must lodge disclosure returns at the times prescribed by the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 and the City of Adelaide Act 1998.

👉Learn more about disclosure requirements

Electoral advertising

In this guidance, electoral advertising refers to 'electoral material' as defined in the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999.

Restrictions apply to the publication and display of electoral material during South Australian local government elections. These requirements are set out in Part 7 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999  and section 226 of the Local Government Act 1999.

The Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) cannot provide legal advice. If you are unsure about your obligations, you should seek independent legal advice.

👉 Learn more about electoral advertising

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Illegal practices

South Australian council elections are governed by strict rules to protect free, fair and transparent participation. Part 12 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 sets out a range of illegal practices, including bribery, intimidation, interference with voting processes, dishonest conduct, and other actions that undermine the integrity of an election. Penalties apply for anyone who engages in this behaviour.

👉 Learn more about illegal practices

Responsibilities as a member of a council

Councils are responsible for many of the services that make South Australia such a great place to live and work, including libraries, playgrounds, sporting facilities and rubbish and recycling. 

Becoming a councillor or mayor means you will help shape a wide range of policies and decisions that will impact the short and long-term future of your local community. 

More information can be found on the council elections website.

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