News
Text message to electors about by-elections
Friday, 08 February 2019Electoral Commission SA will send a text message to all enrolled electors in the districts of Cheltenham and Enfield for whom we have a mobile number tomorrow morning as a reminder to vote in the compulsory by-elections. The SMS will only be sent to those who have not already voted early or by post.
Read more in our media release
Frequently asked questions about the by-elections
Tuesday, 05 February 2019Frequently asked questions about the by-elections
Over the past few weeks our call center has received hundreds of phone calls a day about the by-elections.
The top five most popular questions are:
1. What is this by-election?
Two members of the House of Assembly (Mr Jay Weatherill and Mr John Rau) have retired from Parliament. These by-elections are to elect new members for the state districts of Cheltenham and Enfield.
2. Do I have to vote?
Yes. If you are enrolled in the district of Cheltenham or Enfield it is compulsory to vote. You can check your enrolment and district instantly online at https://check.aec.gov.au/
3. What’s my closest polling booth?
Visit our interactive map and type in your address https://ecsa.sa.gov.au/map
4. Where can I vote early?
The addresses and opening hours of our early voting centres are available at https://ecsa.sa.gov.au/…/cheltenham-and-enfield-by-election
5. Do I have to take my EasyVote Card?
It is not compulsory to take your EasyVote Card but if you do it will make the voting process faster.
Half-yearly returns available for viewing.
Tuesday, 05 February 2019The half-yearly Political Party Returns, Associated Entity Returns and Donor Returns for the period up to 31 December 2018 are now available to be viewed on the Funding and Disclosure Portal.
For more information about disclosures, please contact our Funding, Disclosure & Registration Branch on 7424 7400.
How-to-vote cards for the Cheltenham and Enfield by-elections
Wednesday, 30 January 2019How-to-vote cards for the Cheltenham and Enfield by-elections are now available on our website . It is your choice whether you follow a how-to-vote card when you vote
Early voting now open for by-elections
Tuesday, 29 January 2019Early voting for the 2019 Cheltenham and Enfield by-elections opened today, Tuesday 29 January.
Candidates announced for Cheltenham and Enfield by-elections
Thursday, 24 January 2019On Thursday 24 January 2019 the Returning Officers for the House of Assembly electoral districts of Cheltenham (Mr Darren Marshman)
Read more: Candidates announced for Cheltenham and Enfield by-elections
Nominations open Northern Areas Council Yackamoorundie Ward
Thursday, 17 January 2019Read more: Nominations open Northern Areas Council Yackamoorundie Ward
Attention Campaigners - 2019 by-elections
Tuesday, 15 January 2019Are you intending to spend more than $10,000 campaigning during the period 2 January 2019 to 11 March 2019? If so, you may be considered a third party campaigner under the funding and disclosure provisions of the Electoral Act 1985 (the Act). Third parties have funding and disclosure obligations.
Nominations open for Cheltenham and Enfield by-election
Friday, 11 January 2019The nomination period for intending candidates for the Cheltenham and Enfield by-elections opened today (Friday 11 January 2019).
Read more: Nominations open for Cheltenham and Enfield by-election
Briefing session for intending candidates
Thursday, 10 January 2019A briefing session for intending candidates for the Cheltenham and Enfield by-elections will be held by Electoral Commission SA on Wednesday 16 January 2019.
Postal vote applications now available for Cheltenham and Enfield by-elections
Wednesday, 09 January 2019Postal vote application forms for the 2019 Cheltenham and Enfield by-elections are available from today (Wednesday 9 January) on our website or from select Australia Post outlets.
Read more: Postal vote applications now available for Cheltenham and Enfield by-elections
Public Funding Deadline - By-elections
Wednesday, 02 January 2019For the purposes of the Electoral Act 1985, this morning, the Speaker of the House of Assembly formally announced to the members of the House the vacancies giving rise to the Cheltenham and Enfield by-elections.
Public Funding Deadline – By-elections
Monday, 24 December 2018The Electoral Act 1985 provides a public funding scheme in which candidates may be entitled to funding as reimbursement of political expenditure.
Register your interest for by-election work
Friday, 21 December 2018ECSA is now accepting registrations of interest for temporary election positions at the Cheltenham and Enfield by-elections in early 2019.
Cheltenham and Enfield by-elections
Monday, 17 December 2018The Hon. V. A. Tarzia MP, Speaker of the House of Assembly, announced today the timing for by-elections for the state electoral districts of Cheltenham and Enfield.
Close of rolls Northern Areas Council Yackamoorundie Ward
Thursday, 13 December 2018The voters roll for the supplementary election of Councillor in the Northern Area Council closes at 5.00pm on Monday 17 December 2018.
Read more: Close of rolls Northern Areas Council Yackamoorundie Ward
Office closure Friday 7 December
Wednesday, 28 November 2018The Electoral Commission SA (ECSA) office at level 6, 60 Light Square will be closed on Friday 7 December 2018 from 1pm onwards. The office will reopen at 9am on Monday 10 December. ECSA apologises for any inconvenience.Mandatory campaign reporting for council candidates
Thursday, 22 November 2018All candidates who ran in the 2018 Council elections must lodge a Campaign Donations Return with the relevant council Chief Executive Officer in December, regardless of whether they were elected or unsuccessful.
Read more: Mandatory campaign reporting for council candidates
2018 Council elections results update
Monday, 12 November 2018The counting of votes for the 2018 Council elections is well advanced after more than one thousand election staff worked throughout the weekend across South Australia.
Voting closes for Council elections
Friday, 09 November 2018Voting for the 2018 Council elections closed at 5pm, Friday 9 November 2018.
Last chance to vote in Council elections
Friday, 02 November 2018With more than 180,000 voting packs now returned, Electoral Commissioner, Mr Mick Sherry, has issued a final reminder to South Australians to make a difference by casting their vote in the 2018 Council elections.
Distribution of ballot papers
Friday, 19 October 2018Voting packs for the 2018 Council elections will be mailed out to all eligible voters from this coming Monday, 22 October 2018.
Request a reissue of your voting pack
Friday, 19 October 2018Voting packs can be re-issued to electors who claim that the original material was not received, destroyed or lost, spoiled, or issued for an incorrect ward.
Annual Political Expenditure Returns 2017-18
Friday, 28 September 2018Annual Political Expenditure Returns for the financial year 2017-18 were required to be lodged by 24 September 2018.
Annual Political Expenditure Returns Due
Monday, 17 September 2018A reminder to those who have incurred political expenditure of more than $5,191 during the financial year 2017-18, the Annual Political Expenditure Return is required to be lodged by 24 September.
Record number of candidates in the 2018 Council elections
Monday, 17 September 2018Following the close of nominations on Tuesday 18 September 2018, 1,375 candidates have nominated, compared to 1,334 in 2014.
Read more: Record number of candidates in the 2018 Council elections
Nominations closing soon
Wednesday, 12 September 2018The nomination period to stand as a candidate for the 2018 Council elections will close at 12 noon, Tuesday, 18 September 2018. In November, electors in all councils across the state will be voting for their chosen candidates via postal ballot.
Nominations open for Council elections
Tuesday, 04 September 2018Nominations for the 2018 Council elections are now open. Intending candidates have until 12 noon Tuesday, 18 September to lodge their nomination forms with any council. Eligible candidates will be nominating for 689 positions in 230 potential elections across 67 South Australia councils.
Annual Political Expenditure Returns Due
Monday, 13 August 2018Section 130ZR of the Electoral Act 1985 requires any person who has incurred political expenditure of more than $5,191 during the financial year 1 July 2017 – 30 June 2018 to lodge an Annual Political Expenditure Return with the South Australian Electoral Commissioner. The return must be lodged by Monday 24 September 2018.
Half-yearly returns available for viewing
Monday, 06 August 2018The half-yearly Political Party Returns, Associated Entity Returns and Donor Returns for the period up to 30 June 2018 are now available to be viewed on the Funding and Disclosure Portal.
Country Labor Party De-registered
Friday, 03 August 2018The Country Labor Party has been de-registered under section 45 of the Electoral Act 1985 for failing at either of the last 2 general elections for the House of Assembly, or a simultaneous Legislative Council election, to endorse a candidate for election.
Expiation notices issued
Monday, 23 July 2018On Thursday 19 July 2018, the Electoral Commission SA issued Expiation Notices to 37,480 electors who failed to vote without a valid and sufficient reason at the South Australian State Election held on Saturday 17 March 2018 or failed to respond to the Apparent Failure to Vote Notice issued on 8 June 2018.
Nominations - Super SA, Super SA Select and Funds SA board elections
Monday, 16 July 2018Following the close of nominations 12 noon Friday 13 July 2018, 8 nominations were accepted for Super SA for two Board Member positions, and 6 nominations were accepted for Funds SA for one Board Member position.
Read more: Nominations - Super SA, Super SA Select and Funds SA board elections
Attention Donors – Returns due 31 July
Monday, 09 July 2018If you are a donor who has made a gift of more than $5,191 to a registered political party or associated entity during the period 17 April – 30 June 2018, then you are required to lodge a Donor Return by 31 July 2018.
Have you received an Apparent Failure to Vote Notice from us?
Tuesday, 12 June 2018On Friday 8 June 2018, Electoral Commission SA issued notices to 63,715 electors who, according to our records, failed to vote at the South Australian State election held on Saturday 17 March 2018.
Read more: Have you received an Apparent Failure to Vote Notice from us?
WA by-election District of Darling Range
Monday, 04 June 2018The Electoral Commission SA will be providing early voting facilities for the Western Australian state by-election for the Legislative Assembly District of Darling Range.
Mayo by-election 28 July 2018
Monday, 04 June 2018The Mayo by-election scheduled for Saturday 28 July 2018 will be conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). Please contact the AEC if you would like any information regarding this federal by-election on 13 23 26.
Capped Expenditure Period Returns Available for Viewing
Tuesday, 22 May 2018Capped Expenditure Period Returns are now available for viewing on the Funding and Disclosure Portal.
Read more: Capped Expenditure Period Returns Available for Viewing
Final declaration of results for the 2018 Legislative Council
Friday, 20 April 2018At 11am on Monday 23 April, the Returning Officer for the Legislative Council, Mr Trevor Overy, declared the results for the 2018 election of eleven members of the Legislative Council.
Read more: Final declaration of results for the 2018 Legislative Council
Attention Third Party Campaigners
Friday, 20 April 2018If you are a third party, then you are required to lodge a Capped Expenditure Period Return by today, 16 May 2018.
Tasmanian Elections - Hobart and Prosser
Friday, 13 April 2018Writs for elections for the Tasmanian Legislative Council Divisions of Hobart and Prosser have been issued.
Key dates for the Legislative Council Division elections are as follows:
Attention Donors - Returns due 16 April
Monday, 09 April 2018If you have donated to a candidate, group of candidates, registered political party, associated entity or third party during the election period, then you may be required to lodge a Donor Return.
Declaration count started for five districts
Monday, 19 March 2018Counting of declaration votes has started today for the five districts with close results.
State Election count schedule and results
Friday, 16 March 2018Preliminary election results will be progressively updated live on the Electoral Commission SA website from 6pm on 17 March 2018.
CFS alert for fire danger Election Day
Friday, 16 March 2018SA Country Fire Service (CFS) is asking the community to be mindful of heightened fire danger this coming State Election Day.
Do you know which district you vote in?
Thursday, 15 March 2018Around 400,000 South Australians will be voting in a different district on 17 March!
Interim Donations Report
Wednesday, 14 March 20182018 State Election - Interim Donations Report - Period 1 January - 28 February 2018
How-to-vote cards
Monday, 05 March 2018How-to-vote cards for all 47 House of Assembly districts and the Legislative Council are available now on our website.
Phone access is now restored.
Friday, 02 March 2018Phone access is now restored to the ECSA offices.
How-to-vote cards
Friday, 02 March 2018Reminder that how to vote cards must be lodged with Electoral Commission SA and correctly filled out in accordance with legislation by 5pm today, Friday 2 March 2018.
Misleading information provided to South Australian voters
Thursday, 01 March 2018It has been brought to the Electoral Commission SA’s (ECSA) attention that a range of advertisements which could be perceived to be from ECSA have been delivered to electors’ addresses and published on social media channels regarding early voting.
Legislative Council candidates declared
Tuesday, 27 February 2018On Tuesday 27 February the Returning Officer for the Legislative Council, Mr Trevor Overy, declared the candidates and conducted the ballot draw to determine the order in which grouped and ungrouped candidates will appear on the Legislative Council ballot paper.
Legislative Council Draw for Ballot
Tuesday, 27 February 2018The declaration of Legislative Council candidates will take place today as soon as possible after 11am.
Declaration of candidates and ballot draws
Monday, 26 February 2018House of Assembly candidates have been declared within each district.
Updated location for Dunstan ballot draw
Monday, 26 February 2018The location for today's ballot draw and declaration of candidates for the electoral district of Dunstan has been moved to the Maptek Building, 63 Conyngham Street Glenside.
Record number of electors
Monday, 26 February 2018The 2018 State Election sees a record number of electors enrolled.
The rolls closed at 12 noon Friday 23 February with 1,201,775 South Australians enrolled to vote. This marks an increase of approximately 60,000 compared to the 1,142,419 enrolled for the 2014 State Election.
Tasmanian State Election 2018
Friday, 16 February 2018Commencing from Monday 19 February the Electoral Commission SA is providing early voting facilities for Tasmanian electors to vote in the Saturday 3 March 2018 State Election.
Attention Independent Candidates – Funding & Disclosure Obligations
Friday, 16 February 2018Nominations are open for those who would like to stand as a candidate or group of candidates for the 2018 State Election.
Candidates have obligations under the funding and disclosure scheme contained in Part 13A of the Electoral Act 1985.
Read more: Attention Independent Candidates – Funding & Disclosure Obligations
Political Campaign Signage
Friday, 16 February 2018With the writs being issued tomorrow Saturday 17 February 2018 Political campaign signage can be displayed from 5pm tonight.
Have you received an SMS about our EasyVote Card App?
Friday, 16 February 2018From Thursday 15 February 2018, Electoral Commission SA will be sending an SMS to South Australian electors advising that our new EasyVote Card App is available for download.
Read more: Have you received an SMS about our EasyVote Card App?
Shooters and Fishers Party SA De-registered
Wednesday, 14 February 2018The Shooters and Fishers Party SA has been de-registered for failing to comply with a requirement under the provisions of section 43A of the Electoral Act 1985.
Book now for VoteAssist
Tuesday, 13 February 2018Book now for VoteAssist
EasyVote Card App available now
Friday, 09 February 2018Voters at next month’s State Election will for the first time be able to use a free mobile phone app to help speed up marking their name off the roll.
Attention Independent Candidates
Monday, 22 January 2018If you are intending to nominate as an independent candidate or as an independent group of candidates at the 2018 State Election, then you should be aware that candidates and groups have obligations under the funding and disclosure scheme.
Attention 2018 election campaigners
Friday, 12 January 2018Are you intending to spend more than $10,000 campaigning during the period 1 January 2018 to 16 April 2018? If so, you may be considered a third party campaigner under the funding and disclosure provisions of the Electoral Act 1985 (the Act). Third parties have funding and disclosure obligations.
Office hours during the festive season
Thursday, 21 December 2017
Electoral Commission SA will be open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday throughout the December/January period, except for public holidays:
Results of District Council of Franklin Harbour - Area Councillor
Friday, 15 December 2017The final results for the supplementary election for an Area Councillor for the District Council of Franklin Harbour are now available. Voting for this election was conducted by post, and voting closed at 12 noon Monday 11 December 2017. The final declaration for the election was made at 3:15pm Thursday 14 December 2017.
Read more: Results of District Council of Franklin Harbour - Area Councillor
Public Funding Guide
Tuesday, 12 December 2017Part 13A of the Electoral Act 1985 establishes a public funding scheme in which candidates, groups and registered political parties may apply for public funding of their election campaigns. To assist stakeholders to understand their obligations under the scheme, the Electoral Commission has published a Public Funding Guide for the 2018 State election.
Provisional results of District Council of Franklin Harbour - Area Councillor
Tuesday, 12 December 2017The provisional results for the supplementary election for an Area Councillor for the District Council of Franklin Harbour are now available. Voting for this election was conducted by post, and ballots closed at 12 noon on Monday 11 December 2017.
Read more: Provisional results of District Council of Franklin Harbour - Area Councillor
Close of rolls The Flinders Ranges - Area Councillors
Wednesday, 06 December 2017The voters roll for the supplementary election of two Area Councillors in The Flinders Ranges Council closes at 5.00pm on Wednesday 20 December 2017.
Read more: Close of rolls The Flinders Ranges - Area Councillors
Final results Alexandrina Council - Angas Bremer Ward
Monday, 27 November 2017The final results for the supplementary election of a Councillor for Angas Bremer Ward for Alexandrina Council are now available. Voting for this election was conducted by post, and voting closed at 12 noon Monday 13 November 2017. The final declaration for the election was made at 2.55pm Thursday 13 November 2017.
Read more: Final results Alexandrina Council - Angas Bremer Ward
Close of rolls City of Tea Tree Gully - Councillor
Friday, 24 November 2017The voters roll for the supplementary election of Councillor in the City of Tea Tree Gully closes at 5.00pm on Thursday 30 November 2017.
Read more: Close of rolls City of Tea Tree Gully - Councillor
Close of rolls Wakefield Regional Council - Councillor
Friday, 24 November 2017The voters roll for the supplementary election of Councillor in the Wakefield Regional Council closes at 5.00pm on Thursday 30 November 2017.
Read more: Close of rolls Wakefield Regional Council - Councillor
Provisional results Alexandrina Council - Angas Bremer Ward
Wednesday, 22 November 2017The provisional results for the supplementary election of a Councillor for Angas Bremer Ward in Alexandrina Council are now available. Voting for this election was conducted by post, and ballots closed at 12 noon Monday 13 November 2017.
Read more: Provisional results Alexandrina Council - Angas Bremer Ward
New reporting requirements in relation to foreign donations
Friday, 17 November 2017Amendments to the funding and disclosure legislation recently came into effect on 23 October 2017.
Read more: New reporting requirements in relation to foreign donations
Final results City of Mitcham - Gault Ward
Friday, 17 November 2017The final results for the supplementary election of a Councillor for Gault Ward for the City of Mitcham are now available. Voting for this election was conducted by post, and voting closed at 12 noon Monday 13 November 2017. The final declaration for the election was made at 3.49pm Thursday 13 November 2017.
2017 Queensland State General Election
Friday, 10 November 2017The Electoral Commission SA will provide early voting facilities for Queensland electors to vote in the Queensland State General Election.
Attention Independent HA Candidates 2018
Tuesday, 24 October 2017If you intend to nominate as an independent candidate for a House of Assembly district in the 2018 State election, then please note the deadline for lodgement of your public funding certificate.
Nominations open District Council of Franklin Harbour - Area Councillor
Tuesday, 17 October 2017Nominations are now open for the supplementary election of Area Councillor for the District Council of Franklin Harbour.
Read more: Nominations open District Council of Franklin Harbour - Area Councillor
Nominations open Wudinna District Council - Area Councillor
Tuesday, 17 October 2017Nominations are now open for the supplementary election of Area Councillor for the Wudinna District Council.
Read more: Nominations open Wudinna District Council - Area Councillor
Final results Adelaide Plains Council - Lewiston Ward
Thursday, 12 October 2017The final results for the supplementary election of a Councillor for Lewiston Ward for the Adelaide Plains Council are now available. Voting for this election was conducted by post, and voting closed at 12 noon Monday 9 October 2017. The final declaration for the election was made at 2.45pm Thursday 12 October 2017.
Read more: Final results Adelaide Plains Council - Lewiston Ward
Provisional results Adelaide Plains Council - Lewiston Ward
Tuesday, 10 October 2017The provisional results for the supplementary election of a Councillor for Lewiston Ward in the Adelaide Plains Council. Voting for this election was conducted by post, and ballots closed at 12 noon Monday 9 October 2017.
Read more: Provisional results Adelaide Plains Council - Lewiston Ward
Nominations open Alexandrina Council - Angas Bremer Ward
Thursday, 28 September 2017Nominations are now open for the supplementary election of Councillor for Angas Bremer Ward in Alexandrina Council.
Read more: Nominations open Alexandrina Council - Angas Bremer Ward
Annual Political Expenditure Returns available for viewing
Thursday, 28 September 2017The Annual Political Expenditure Returns for the financial year 2016-17 were required to be lodged by 22 September 2017. Any person who incurred political expenditure of more than $5,091 during the financial year is required to lodge a return.
Read more: Annual Political Expenditure Returns available for viewing
Close of rolls District Council of Franklin Harbour - Area Councillor
Friday, 22 September 2017The voters roll for the supplementary election of an Area Councillor in the District Council of Franklin Harbour closes at 5.00pm on Friday 29 September 2017.
Read more: Close of rolls District Council of Franklin Harbour - Area Councillor
Close of rolls Wudinna District Council - Area Councillor
Friday, 22 September 2017The voters roll for the supplementary election of an Area Councillor in the Wudinna District Council closes at 5.00pm on Friday 29 September 2017.
Read more: Close of rolls Wudinna District Council - Area Councillor
2018 State election – independent candidates
Wednesday, 20 September 2017Applications to register a political party to endorse candidates for the 2018 State election have now closed.
Political party registration for 2018 State election
Monday, 28 August 2017If you would like to register a political party for the 2018 State election, you must lodge your application by 5.00pm, 15 September 2017.
Read more: Political party registration for 2018 State election
Annual Political Expenditure Returns Due
Thursday, 24 August 2017Section 130ZR of the Electoral Act 1985 requires any person who has incurred political expenditure of more than $5,091 during the financial year 1 July 2016 – 30 June 2017 to lodge an Annual Political Expenditure Return with the South Australian Electoral Commissioner. The return must be lodged by Friday 22 September 2017.
Overseas Voting Service for the New Zealand 2017 General Election
Monday, 21 August 2017The Electoral Commission SA will provide voting facilities for New Zealand electors to vote in the 2017 General Election. In order to vote, New Zealand electors have the following options available to them:
Read more: Overseas Voting Service for the New Zealand 2017 General Election
Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey
Friday, 11 August 2017The Electoral Commission SA is receiving a high volume of enquiries from South Australians regarding the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey, which is being conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Final results District Council of Robe
Friday, 11 August 2017The final results for the supplementary election of an Area Councillor in the District Council of Robe are now available. Voting for this election was conducted by post, and voting closed at 12 noon Monday 7 August 2017. The final declaration for the election was made at 10.25am Friday 11 August 2017.
Final results City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters - Maylands/Trinity Ward
Friday, 11 August 2017The final results for the supplementary election of a Councillor for Maylands/Trinity Ward in the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters are now available. Voting for this election was conducted by post, and voting closed at 12 noon on Monday 7 August 2017. The final declaration for the election was made at 2.32pm Thursday 10 August 2017.
Read more: Final results City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters - Maylands/Trinity Ward
Half-yearly returns available for viewing
Thursday, 10 August 2017The half-yearly Political Party Returns, Associated Entity Returns and Donor Returns for the period 1 January to 30 June 2017 were required to be lodged by 31 July 2017.
Provisional results District Council of Robe
Tuesday, 08 August 2017The provisional results for the supplementary election for an Area Councillor in the District Council of Robe are now available. Voting for this election was conducted by post, and ballots closed at 12 noon Monday 7 August 2017.
Provisional results City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters - Maylands/Trinity Ward
Tuesday, 08 August 2017The provisional results for the supplementary election for a Councillor for Maylands/Trinity Ward in the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters are now available. Voting for this election was conducted by post, and ballots closed at 12 noon Monday 7 August 2017.
Read more: Provisional results City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters - Maylands/Trinity Ward
Close of rolls Adelaide Plains Council - Lewiston Ward
Friday, 28 July 2017The voters roll for the supplementary election of a Councillor for Lewiston Ward in the Adelaide Plains Council closes at 5pm on Monday 31 July 2017.
Read more: Close of rolls Adelaide Plains Council - Lewiston Ward
Final results APY Executive Board supplementary election
Friday, 21 July 2017The final results for the supplementary election for the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Executive Board are now available.
You can find the declaration of results on our APY election results page.
Returns due for period 1 January to 30 June 2017
Tuesday, 11 July 2017Returns for the period 1 January to 30 June 2017 are required to be lodged by 31 July 2017.