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:

Feedback form >>

Or you can:

  • write to us at:
    Electoral Commission SA
    GPO Box 646
    Adelaide SA 5001
  • phone us on:
  • 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:

Complaint 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. 
We will be clear about how a complaint has been resolved. Where a complaint remains unresolved or cannot be resolved satisfactorily, we will provide information about how our handling of a complaint can be reviewed or appealed.

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:

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.

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