Counting votes

Counting the votes for council elections
The electoral system used in local government elections in South Australia is the proportional representation electoral system, or PR for short.

Counting the votes for the House of Assembly
To win a seat in the House of Assembly, a candidate must receive an absolute majority of the total formal votes cast in the electoral district they are contesting.

Counting the votes for the Legislative Council
In order to win a seat in the Legislative Council, a candidate is normally required to obtain a ‘quota’ of the formal votes. This quota - or minimum number of votes required to win a seat – ensures that winning candidates are elected with a near equal numbers of votes.
Town of Gawler supplementary election - Mayor

Assisted voting
Prescribed electors under section 41A(8) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, may vote via the telephone assisted voting method by calling the Electoral Commission SA on:
1300 655 232 within South Australia only
08 7424 7400 from interstate
+61 8 7424 7400 from overseas
The Telephone Assisted Voting Centre will operate for the following times and days:
9am – 5pm, Thursday 18 September and Friday 19 September 2025
9am – 12 noon, Monday 22 September 2025 (close of voting)
Daily Returns
Event | Legislation* | Date |
Close of rolls |
s 6(7)(a), s 15(9)(b) |
5pm, Monday 30 June 2025 |
Nominations open |
s 19(4) |
Thursday 24 July 2025 |
Nominations close |
s 23(b) |
12 noon, Thursday 7 August 2025 |
Draw for positions on the ballot paper |
s 29(3)(b) |
as soon as practicable after 12 noon, Thursday 7 August 2025 Link to live draw https://www.youtube.com/live/5kCJcTQd2js |
First campaign donation return due |
s 80(3)(a)(ii) | Friday 15 August 2025 to Thursday 21 August 2025 |
Mailout of materials |
s 39(1) |
Tuesday 26 August 2025 to Monday 1 September 2025 |
Last day for re-issue of voting materials |
s 39(4), s 43(4) |
5pm, Monday 15 September 2025 |
Close of voting (polling day) |
s 6(6), s 6(7)(b) |
12 noon, Monday 22 September 2025 |
Scrutiny and count |
s 47(1)(a) |
Tuesday 23 September 2025 |
Second campaign donation return due | s 80(3)(b) |
Within 30 days of the 'conclusion of the election' |
* Local Government (Elections) Act 1999
Enrolment
If you are correctly enrolled for state elections in South Australia, you are automatically included on the council voters roll and will receive ballot papers through the post.
If you need to check or update your enrolment for future elections, you can choose one of the following options:
- Check my enrolment
- Enrol online (first time voters or to get back on the roll)
- Update my details online (for updates to your address, name or other contact details)
Council supplementary roll
If you are not enrolled on the state electoral roll you may be eligible to register on the council supplementary roll if you are:
- a resident or a non-Australian citizen who has lived at your residential address for one month or more
- an owner of an organisation or business
- an owner of a holiday home
- a sole owner, or group of owners, of a rateable property
- a sole occupier, or group of occupiers, of a rateable property
- a landlord of rateable property.
In accordance with section 15(5a) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, council must purge the council's supplementary roll on 1 January of every election year. Therefore, all landlords, organisations, business owners or occupiers, and resident non-Australian citizens, must re-enrol from January 1 of every election year to be eligible to vote, with the exception of the City of Adelaide.
If you are unsure whether you are enrolled on the council supplementary roll, contact your local council.
Candidate information and regulations
Visit our Candidate section for more information about;
- Acts and Regulations
- Candidate eligibility and ineligibility
- Candidate disclosure returns
- Candidate responsibilities
- Electoral advertising
- Forms and handbooks
- Responsibilities as a member of a council.
* More information for Candidates
CANDIDATE PORTAL ACCESS (link to external website)
Due to the high volume of supplementary election events scheduled for September, our candidate portal is currently unable to accommodate individual Council names. As a result, we have opted to use the generic label "September 2025 Supplementary Elections" on the portal’s landing page. Candidates wishing to nominate will select this option, after which they can proceed to nominate within their respective election.
List of candidates
In accordance with the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, the draw to determine the order of candidate names to appear on the ballot paper was held on Thursday 7 August 2025. The result of the draw are detailed below.
SHANKS, Nathan
I am a father, husband, builder & Acting Mayor of Gawler. I first ran for council in 2018 as a ratepayer, frustrated about council processes. Fast forward to now & I’ve been honoured to play a pivotal role toward a fresh council. We have a new CEO, new culture & new energy around the council table. As well as new relationships with our neighbouring councils & different levels of government, something I have been working very hard on behind the scenes. I’m running for Mayor not for the title but because as a leader I know how to get things done & I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves. I don’t pretend to have all the answers but I do bring a practical mindset, a thick skin & a genuine love for this town. No nonsense, just honest work. I would love to keep building toward a better Gawler. Build much needed infrastructure, build important relationships & work alongside the groups, clubs & businesses that build a strong sense of community. With your help we can build a better Gawler.
I live in the area
Contact Details: 0447 680 779
I am not a member of a Political Party
DAVIES, Cody
I believe that a more connected community is a stronger community. That is why I put in the effort, every day, to communicate with Gawler residents, which I have done long before this by-election was called. At a time when our region is growing fast, it is vital that the mayor, as the Council’s official chief spokesperson, is somebody who can bring the community together by informing them and engaging them. I am 35 years old with six years of experience on Council, including a year as Deputy Mayor. I have spent over 15 years operating in fields such as media, social media, journalism, and community management, which I would like to utilise to promote and strengthen the culture of our beautiful town. If you’ve read this far, then you care about being informed on local issues, so why not take that final step and vote!
I live in the area
Contact Details: codydaviesforcouncil @gmail.com
I am a member of the Australian Labor Party (South Australian Branch)
LITTLE, Paul Robert
I wish to introduce myself. Paul Robert Little OAM J.P. I have been elected several times before to council. I am a returned soldier and a retired Police Officer have had many roles in the Town of Gawler, director Hospital Board, a volunteer driver for the Hospital, and five years as a director of the Barossa loght and Gawler Football League. As a retired person I am well aware of the pressures on budgets on any rate increases. Please place me first on the ballot.
I live in the area
Contact Details: pr.little @outlook.com
I am not a member of a Political Party
Adelaide Hills Council supplementary election - Councillor for Valleys Ward

Event | Legislation* | Date |
Close of rolls |
s 6(7)(a), s 15(9)(b) |
5pm, Monday 30 June 2025 |
Nominations open |
s 19(4) |
Thursday 24 July 2025 |
Nominations close |
s 23(b) |
12 noon, Thursday 7 August 2025 |
Draw for positions on the ballot paper |
s 29(3)(b) |
as soon as practicable after 12 noon, Thursday 7 August 2025 |
First campaign donation return due |
s 80(3)(a)(ii) | Friday 15 August 2025 to Thursday 21 August 2025 |
Mailout of materials |
s 39(1) |
Tuesday 26 August 2025 to Monday 1 September 2025 |
Last day for re-issue of voting materials |
s 39(4), s 43(4) |
5pm, Monday 15 September 2025 |
Close of voting (polling day) |
s 6(6), s 6(7)(b) |
12 noon, Monday 22 September 2025 |
Scrutiny and count |
s 47(1)(a) |
Tuesday 23 September 2025 |
Second campaign donation return due | s 80(3)(b) |
Within 30 days of the 'conclusion of the election' |
* Local Government (Elections) Act 1999
Enrolment
If you are correctly enrolled for state elections in South Australia, you are automatically included on the council voters roll and will receive ballot papers through the post.
If you need to check or update your enrolment for future elections, you can choose one of the following options:
- Check my enrolment
- Enrol online (first time voters or to get back on the roll)
- Update my details online (for updates to your address, name or other contact details)
Council supplementary roll
If you are not enrolled on the state electoral roll you may be eligible to register on the council supplementary roll if you are:
- a resident or a non-Australian citizen who has lived at your residential address for one month or more
- an owner of an organisation or business
- an owner of a holiday home
- a sole owner, or group of owners, of a rateable property
- a sole occupier, or group of occupiers, of a rateable property
- a landlord of rateable property.
In accordance with section 15(5a) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, council must purge the council's supplementary roll on 1 January of every election year. Therefore, all landlords, organisations, business owners or occupiers, and resident non-Australian citizens, must re-enrol from January 1 of every election year to be eligible to vote, with the exception of the City of Adelaide.
If you are unsure whether you are enrolled on the council supplementary roll, contact your local council.
Candidate information and regulations
Visit our Candidate section for more information about;
- Acts and Regulations
- Candidate eligibility and ineligibility
- Candidate disclosure returns
- Candidate responsibilities
- Electoral advertising
- Forms and handbooks
- Responsibilities as a member of a council.
* More information for Candidates
CANDIDATE PORTAL ACCESS (linked website)
Light Regional Council supplementary election - Mayor

Count Summary
The scrutiny and count were conducted on Tuesday 29 July 2025.
Enrolled electors | 11,931 |
---|---|
Envelopes returned | 3,016 (25.28% return rate) |
Envelopes accepted | 2,960 |
Envelopes rejected | 56 |
Declaration envelopes excluded upon opening | 2 |
Voter participation* | 24.79% of the total enrolment |
Formal votes | 2,951 |
Informal votes | 7 |
Quota | 1,476 |
* Participation is calculated as the number of formal and informal votes counted as a percentage of the number of enrolled electors
Results
Candidate | First preference votes | Percent | Votes at Exclusion / Election | Elected or Excluded |
CLOSE, Bill | 1,144 | 38.77% | 1,400 | ELECTED |
ZELLER, Simon | 252 | 8.54% | 252 | Excluded |
PHILLIPS-RYDER, Michael Arthur | 1,012 | 34.29% | 1,271 | |
CHAMPION, Linda | 543 | 18.4% | 578 | Excluded |
Total | 2,951 |
Outcome of the election
After the distribution of preferences Bill CLOSE obtained 1,400 votes and was provisionally declared elected under quota, at 1:59pm on Tuesday 29 July 2025.
To view the distribution of votes refer to scrutiny sheet attached here.
Daily Returns
Timetable
Event | Legislation* | Date |
Close of rolls |
s 6(7)(a), s 15(9)(b) |
5pm, Wednesday 30 April 2025 |
Nominations open |
s 19(4) |
Thursday 29 May 2025 |
Nominations close |
s 23(b) |
12 noon, Thursday 12 June 2025 |
s 29(3)(b) |
as soon as practicable after 12 noon, Thursday 12 June 2025 |
|
First campaign donation return due |
s 80(3)(a)(ii) | Friday 20 June 2025 to Thursday 26 June 2025 |
Mailout of materials |
s 39(1) |
Tuesday 1 July 2025 to Monday 7 July 2025 |
Last day for re-issue of voting materials |
s 39(4), s 43(4) |
5pm, Monday 21 July 2025 |
Close of voting (polling day) |
s 6(6), s 6(7)(b) |
12 noon, Monday 28 July 2025 |
Scrutiny and count |
s 47(1)(a) |
Tuesday 29 July 2025 |
Second campaign donation return due | s 80(3)(b) |
Within 30 days of the 'conclusion of the election' |
* Local Government (Elections) Act 1999
Enrolment
If you are correctly enrolled for state elections in South Australia, you are automatically included on the council voters roll and will receive ballot papers through the post.
If you need to check or update your enrolment for future elections, you can choose one of the following options:
- Check my enrolment
- Enrol online (first time voters or to get back on the roll)
- Update my details online (for updates to your address, name or other contact details)
Council supplementary roll
If you are not enrolled on the state electoral roll you may be eligible to register on the council supplementary roll if you are:
- a resident or a non-Australian citizen who has lived at your residential address for one month or more
- an owner of an organisation or business
- an owner of a holiday home
- a sole owner, or group of owners, of a rateable property
- a sole occupier, or group of occupiers, of a rateable property
- a landlord of rateable property.
In accordance with section 15(5a) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, council must purge the council's supplementary roll on 1 January of every election year. Therefore, all landlords, organisations, business owners or occupiers, and resident non-Australian citizens, must re-enrol from January 1 of every election year to be eligible to vote, with the exception of the City of Adelaide.
If you are unsure whether you are enrolled on the council supplementary roll, contact your local council.
Candidate information and regulations
Visit our Candidate section for more information about;
- Acts and Regulations
- Candidate eligibility and ineligibility
- Candidate disclosure returns
- Candidate responsibilities
- Electoral advertising
- Forms and handbooks
- Responsibilities as a member of a council.
* More information for Candidates
CANDIDATE PORTAL ACCESS (linked website)
List of candidates
In accordance with the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, the draw to determine the order of candidate names to appear on the ballot paper was held on Thursday, 12 June 2025. The result of the draw are detailed below.
CLOSE, Bill
Light Regional Council is my lifeblood. I grew up in and was educated in this community; my family has lived and worked here since 1847 and I have run a successful farm business here for 50 years. I became a councillor 20 years ago to serve this community; support it to grow; see businesses develop and thrive and provide best value for our ratepayers. As Mayor, I will ensure that Light Regional Council improves services, roads, transport, education and employment so that ratepayers receive the highest level of service. My qualifications include a Bachelor of Applied Science from Roseworthy and post-grad agricultural economics. I served on Rotary committees, the Trinity College Foundation and was awarded Life Membership of the Gawler Show. I listen to ratepayers, I have a strong personal and business connection to ratepayers across the council. I will represent your needs and aspirations for our community so Light Regional Council is the best place to live and work.
I live in the area
Contact Details: 1145A Hayman Road, Gawler River, SA, 5118
I am not a member of a Political Party
ZELLER, Simon
Local Government is the tier of Government closest to the people. It's where decisions are made that have a real and direct impact on our daily lives. From the maintenance of local roads we all use every day, the playgrounds and public spaces, to the management of our sewer system and household waste. From planning work for construction and growth to supporting local business operators, from free holiday entertainment for kids to celebrating Australia Day, Council does it all and much more. The rates property owners pay, that is a tax on the value of that property, is what funds it all. The main focus of the Elected Body therefor has to be, that this tax collected from our residents is used most efficiently and most effectively to achieve the greatest possible benefit for the greatest number of people. For this we need a dedicated team under good leadership, that listens to and represents the will of the people, and works in respectful and proactive collaboration with all stakeholders.
I live in the area
Contact Details: 0411 488 894
I am a member of Australian Greens SA
PHILLIPS-RYDER, Michael Arthur
I’ve served as Acting Mayor since March 2025 and was elected Deputy Mayor in November 2024. A Councillor since 2022, I live in Hewett with my four children and work in the delivery of major infrastructure projects. I hold qualifications in law, economics, and construction management. As Mayor, my priorities include maintaining a strong focus on core services particularly road upgrades and maintenance, ensuring rates are fair and tied to essential service delivery, supporting our primary producers and related businesses during this difficult drought, opposing boundary changes affecting Hewett and Gawler Belt but advocating for a regional approach to solving local problems, and I will continue to campaign to protecting prime agricultural land from overdevelopment. I am committed to sustainable affordable housing, community-led projects, and transparent and accountable government. I will continue to listen, advocate, lead and ensure Council delivers on what matters most to our community.
I live in the area
Contact Details: michael.phillipsryder @gmail.com
I was a member of the Liberal Party of Australia (SA Division) until 15/10/2024
CHAMPION, Linda
I am a proud long-term resident of the region - a mother, grandmother, qualified solicitor and barrister, and an active community member with deep roots in local issues. My experience spans small business ownership, legal advocacy and political engagement, giving me the skills to listen, lead, and deliver. I am passionate about transparency, responsible spending, and ensuring local voices are heard. I care deeply about social justice and believe our council should focus on real outcomes: roads, safety, services, and support for families, businesses, and retirees. I finished raising my family here and built my life here. I understand our challenges and see the untapped potential of our district. I will work hard every day to serve our community with integrity, accessibility, and determination. With me as Mayor, you will be heard and your needs will be actioned.
I live in the area
Contact Details: lindachampionformayor @gmail.com
I am a member of the Liberal Party of Australia (SA Division)