2027 local Government Elections
The South Australian Parliament passed legislation to defer the 2026 local government elections. The next local government election will be held in April 2027.
To find out more, visit the Council Elections website.
Enrolment
Voting in local government elections in South Australia is conducted by post and is not compulsory, however all eligible voters are strongly encouraged to participate.
Shape your world and make sure you’re enrolled.
Enrolling on the state electoral roll or your council’s voters roll, is the first step toward participating in your council elections. Local Government elections are open to a broader range of people than state elections.
Whether you are a resident, business owner, landowner or part of a community group, ensuring your enrolment details are up to date is an important step in having your voice heard.
You must be enrolled to be eligible to nominate as a candidate, and to vote in the council elections.
Enrol to Vote
To vote or nominate in council elections, you must be enrolled on the South Australian electoral roll or Council supplementary roll.
State Electoral Roll (South Australia)
If you are enrolled on the South Australian State Electoral Roll at an address within Wakefield, you will automatically be included on the Council Voters Roll for your place of residence and will receive a voting pack by post.
If you have recently turned 18, changed your residential address, or changed your name, you must update your details by Monday 4 January 2027.
To check or update your enrolment details visit: Check your enrolment | Council Elections
Supplementary Roll (Council)
Supplementary Roll provides another way for eligible individuals and organisations to participate in Council elections.
If you are over the age of 18 and are enrolled on the South Australian State Electoral Roll, you may also be eligible to vote if you are:
- a non-resident sole owner (landlord of rateable property) within Wakefield Regional Council
- a non-resident occupier (tenant) within Wakefield Regional Council
- an owner or occupier of an organisation or business within Wakefield Regional Council
- an owner of a holiday home within Wakefield Regional Council
- part of a group of owners or occupiers of a rateable property within Wakefield Regional Council
Eligible persons and organisations must complete the relevant form (below) and return it to Council by Monday 4 January 2027.
To apply for inclusion on Council's Supplementary Roll, please use the appropriate form below:
- Form 1 – Natural Person: Non-Resident, Sole Owner or Sole Occupier (tenant)
- Form 2 – Body Corporate - Sole Owner or Sole Occupier (tenant)
- Form 3 – Group Owners or Group Occupiers (tenants)
Further details regarding enrolment are available on the LGA/ECSA Council Elections webpage.
Silent Elector Enrolment
You can apply to be registered as a silent elector if you believe having your address included on the publicly available electoral roll could put you or your family’s safety at risk.
For more information including eligibility requirements and application forms, visit the Australian Electoral Commissions AEC silent elector webpage.
Standing as a Council Candidate
Learn about local government and prepare for standing as a council candidate in your community.
The Local Government Association (LGA) offers a free, self-paced 'Stand for Council' eLearning that provides a clear overview of council roles, responsibilities, and decision-making, as well as the leadership and behavioural standards expected of council members. It is designed to help you make an informed decision about standing, and to feel better prepared if you proceed to submit a nomination.
The eLearning includes a leadership qualities and skills checklist to help you reflect on your readiness.
The eLearning covers four modules:
- What is local government?
- Council roles
- Working together
- Leadership and behaviour
https://www.councilelections.sa.gov.au/nominate/free-elearning-course
Which ward am I in?
2027 Council Election dates
Description | Date |
|---|---|
Close of rolls If you're enrolled to vote in SA state elections, you'll automatically be enrolled to vote in council elections. A ballot pack will be sent to your registered mailing address. You can check and update your enrolment details online, and can enrol if needed. | 5:00 pm Monday |
Nominations open Interested in running for council? You'll need to nominate to become a candidate before you can start campaigning your candidacy. | Tuesday |
Nominations close You must submit your nomination before the deadline. Learn how to nominate. | 12:00 pm Tuesday |
Ballot packs mail-out period Ballot packs will be sent to the mailing address included on 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 |
Voting close (polling day) You must return your ballot papers so they reach the electoral commission before this deadline. | 5:00 pm Wednesday |