Feedback and complaints
The Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) values all feedback to ensure continuous improvement to our processes and practices.
For information about feedback and complaints for the 2024 South Australian First Nations Voice Election, visit the SA First Nations Voice Election web page.
You are welcome to provide feedback or make a complaint about the service you have received from ECSA or our products.
How ECSA handles feedback and complaints is outlined in our feedback and complaint policy (PDF, 303KB).
Electoral advertising:
If you are considering making an electoral complaint, please view the relevant electoral advertising page which provides the legislative provisions the complaint is assessed against.
How to provide feedback
Feedback on ECSA services and operations can be provided using our online form:
Or you can:
- write to us at:
Electoral Commission SA
GPO Box 646
Adelaide SA 5001 - phone us on:
- 1300 655 232 (within SA)
- +61 8 7424 7400 (interstate or overseas)
- email us at:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - visit us at:
Electoral Commission SA
Level 6, 60 Light Square
Adelaide SA
How to submit a complaint
We deal with 2 types of complaints:
Service complaints: Complaints about services provided by ECSA, or the operations of ECSA.
Electoral complaints: Complaints alleging a breach or breaches of provisions of either the Electoral Act 1985 or the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, by ECSA or any other person or entity (including political parties).
Making a complaint
You can lodge a complaint using our online form:
or you can write to us at:
Electoral Commission SA
GPO Box 646
Adelaide SA 5001
The complaint must establish the facts which are the basis of the allegation and be supported by evidence of any alleged electoral offence.
If sufficient evidence is not submitted, we may seek further information to enable proper assessment of the complaint. The matter will remain on hold until we have the information.
What you can expect from us
- Where contact details are provided, we will acknowledge all feedback and complaints within 2 business days.
- We aim to resolve most complaints within 5 business days.
- In complex matters which cannot be resolved within 5 business days, we will advise on the time frame expected and keep the complainant up-to-date throughout the process.
- We may request information from complainants, respondents and other parties in order for the electoral commissioner to make their determination. If deadlines for these requests are not met, the electoral commissioner may make a determination without the information.
- We will treat all matters in a fair, unbiased and objective manner. You will not be adversely affected if you make a complaint.
- Any personal information provided in your feedback or complaint will be managed in accordance with relevant legal and policy requirements.
Confidentiality
We treat complaints and feedback confidentially, however in some circumstances may be required to disclose information to resolve the complaint or feedback.
Where the parties involved in a complaint have publicised the matter, the electoral commissioner may confirm the existence of a complaint with the media, but will not discuss the details.
We may make public comment regarding feedback and complaints, in order to ensure electors are aware of a situation and or have accurate information.
Still not satisfied?
Service complaints
If the matter is still not resolved to your satisfaction then you can contact the Ombudsman SA.
The ombudsman is available to help people who have complaints against the administrative actions of Government of South Australia departments or agencies. You can contact the ombudsman using one of the folling options:
- Phone: 08 8226 8699
- Phone: 1800 182 150 (outside metro SA only)
- Website: ombudsman.sa.gov.au
Please note that if you have not attempted to resolve the issue with ECSA, the ombudsman's office may request that you do so before they formally record or investigate your complaint.
Electoral complaints
There are no review or appeal avenues provided for by legislation.
Note: Matters about the conduct and practice of public officers and public authorities in South Australian public administration, specifically corruption, misconduct and maladministration, can be reported via the Office for Public Integrity
SA First Nations Voice Election
Feedback and complaints regarding the SA First Nations Voice Election will be handled in accordance with the Feedback and complaint Policy – SA First Nations Voice to Parliament election and can be made using the online Complaint Form.
- Online Complaint Form
- Feedback and complaint Policy – SA First Nations Voice to Parliament election (PDF 230KB)
Complaints made in relation to a person’s eligibility to participate in this election will be investigated, however the Electoral Commissioner does not have any power to remove a candidate from an election, or remove a vote from the electoral process. Any action which may be able to be taken will occur after the election. These complaints will be acknowledged but ECSA won’t be able to provide responses or updates on them.
Following the elections, electors and candidates may be able to lodge a petition with the Court of Disputed Returns to challenge the validity of an election.
For more information, visit: savoiceelection.sa.gov.au/complaints
Media centre
Media enquiries
| Email: |
Phone: 0401 149 166 |
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Media alerts, releases and statements
2025
General media and news
27/03/2025 New registered political party - United Voice Australia
25/03/2025 EDUCATION Taking democracy to the classroom | Regional Road Trip
Council media and news
24/04/2025 - NOTICE | CITY OF ADELAIDE Close of Roll for Supplementary Election
11/04/2025 - MEDIA | CITY OF ADELAIDE Central Ward Supplementary Election to occur
03/04/2025 - 2022 Council Election Report is now available
SA Voice Supplementary election media and news
28/03/2025 Results for the Local SA Voice Member Elections; Results
14 March 2025 MEDIA ALERT Voting in the SA Voice Region 1; Voting
11 March 2025 MEDIA ALERT Early voting centres for SA Voice Region 1; Early voting
03 March 2025 MEDIA ALERT Postal voting applications for SA Voice Region 1; Postal voting
24 February 2025 MEDIA ALERT Candidates for 2025 SA Voice Supplementary Election; Candidates
28 January 2025 SA Voice Supplementary Elections; Nominations
07 January 2025 SA Voice Supplementary Elections
2024
General media and news
23/12/2024 MEDIA STATEMENT: Adelaide Plains - Result of second petition
18/12/2024 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: 1894 Adult Suffrage Bill | A moment in time
12/12/2024 Electoral Districts Boundaries Commission Redistribution Report
10/12/2024 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Human Rights Day
04/12/2024 MEDIA STATEMENT: Adelaide Plains - Result of petition
02/12/2024 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD)
Black by-election media and news
26/11/2024 Declaration of results
25/11/2024 Declaration of results invitation
15/11/2024 Eligible early voters encouraged
5/11/2024 Engaging first time youth voters
4/11/2024 Options to vote early
1/11/2024 Declaration of nominations
29/10/2024 Candidate ballot paper draw
28/10/2024 Electoral roll closes today
28/10/2024 Declared Institutions
22/10/2024 Reminder to enrol or update enrolment
18/10/2024 New Candidates
2023
7/12/2023 Media Statement City of Adelaide Central Ward Election
2022
Media Release - Record numbers expected to vote - 2 Mar 2022 (PDF, 109KB)
Media Release - All South Australians can vote safely - 15 Feb 2022
Media Release - Delivering a safe election - 8 Feb 2022
Media Release - COVID safety at the 2022 State Election - 3 Feb 2022
2019
Media Release - Text message to electors about by-elections - 8 Feb 2019
Media Release - Reminder to Vote - 6 Feb 2019
Media Release - Close of Nominations - Declaration of candidates - 24 Jan 2019
2018
Council Media Release - 2018 Council elections results update - 12 Nov 2018
Council Media Release - Last chance to vote in Council elections - 1 Nov 2018
Council Media Release - Distribution of ballot papers - 19 Oct 2018
Council Media Release - Passing of Candidate - 8 Oct 2018
Council Media Release - Record number of candidates for 2018 Council elections - 19 Sept 2018
Council Media Release - Nominations closing for 2018 Council elections - 12 Sep 2018
Council Media Release - Nominations open for Council elections - 4 Sep 2018
Council Media Release - 2018 Council Elections - 27 Jul 2018
Council Media Release - Last chance to enrol for Council Elections - 6 August 2018
Media Release - Count and results - 16 Mar 2018
Media Release - Pre-poll & Glynde matter - 05 Mar 2018
Media Release - Misleading information to South Australian voters - 28 Feb 2018
Media Release - Record number of electors - 26 Feb 2018
Media Release - Declaration of candidates and ballot draws - 26 Feb 2018
Media Release - Last chance to enrol - 22 Feb 2018
Media Release - EasyVote Card App - 12 Feb 2018
Media Release - New voting option for vision-impaired electors - 12 Feb 2018
About us
The Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) is an independent agency and aims to ensure that demands for electoral services and participation in the democratic processes have been met fairly, honestly and within the law. The minister responsible is the Special Minister of State. ECSA provides professional and impartial electoral services for South Australians.
In 1907 the State Electoral Department was created as an independent office responsible for the conduct and administration of parliamentary elections in South Australia. The State Electoral Department became the State Electoral Office in 1993 and the Electoral Commission SA in 2009. The Electoral Commission of South Australia was the first electoral administration in the world to use computer technology to produce an electoral roll, the first prototype roll scanner, and the development and use of cardboard ballot boxes and voting compartments. We are constantly reviewing our work practices to ensure the quality of our electoral services and products.
What we do
The Electoral Commission of South Australia 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 of South Australia'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 of South Australia 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.
The Electoral Commissioner of South Australia, Mick Sherry
Mick Sherry was appointed as the Electoral Commissioner of South Australia on 20 February 2017.
He served as one of the Commissioners on the 2020 South Australian Electoral Districts Boundaries Commission and is currently Chair of the Electoral Council of Australia and New Zealand (ECANZ).
Prior to his appointment as Electoral Commissioner, Mr Sherry held roles at the state and federal level including with South Australia Police, the Western Australia Royal Commission into Police Corruption, the Corruption and Crime Commission of Western Australia and the Victorian Office of Police Integrity.
In 2015 Mr Sherry was appointed as the Australian Electoral Officer for the Northern Territory and Manager of the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) Northern Territory office. During his time with the AEC, he was responsible for the conduct of the 2016 federal election in the Northern Territory and the 2016 redistribution of electoral divisions in the Northern Territory.
Mr Sherry holds several tertiary qualifications including a Master of Arts and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
The Deputy Electoral Commissioner of South Australia, Alice Cashen
Alice Cashen was appointed to the role of Deputy Commissioner on October 5, 2023.
Council election reports
In South Australia, periodic council elections are held every four years. After periodic elections the Electoral Commission of South Australia produces a report covering all aspects of the elections, including a summary of the results. Reports for council elections since 2006 are available below.
Results for supplementary elections are available on our past council elections page.
- 2018 council election report (PDF, 6MB)
- 2014 council election report (PDF, 3.7MB)
- 2010 council election report (PDF, 2.6MB)
- 2006 council election report (PDF, 1MB)