Information about nominating
House of Assembly candidates may be:
- independent (not endorsed by a political party)
- endorsed by a registered political party.
Independent candidates
Independent candidates must be nominated by at least 20 persons who are enrolled and qualified to vote in the same district the candidate is intending to contest.
Nominations must be accompanied by a deposit of $1,000 in a banker's cheque (not a personal cheque) or electronic funds transfer (EFT) to the Electoral Commission of South Australia. If EFT is made you must provide a printed receipt showing successful lodgement of payment.
You must lodge the following with the returning officer for the district you are proposing to contest before the close of nominations:
- A completed nomination form
- The details and signatures of at least 20 nominators who are electors enrolled in the district you’re intending to contest
- A $1,000 deposit (banker’s cheque or EFT)
Registered political party endorsed candidates
To nominate as a candidate endorsed by a registered political party, complete a nomination form and return it to your party's registered officer. The registered officer may then lodge nominations directly with the Electoral Commission of South Australia.
Registered officers must submit the following before the close of nominations:
- all the party's nomination forms
- a deposit of $1,000 in banker's cheque or EFT for each candidate nominated.
Nominations for the 2026 State Election open on 23 February 2026
Key Dates Table
- 23/2/2026 Nominations open
- 27/2/2026 Roll close & party bulk nominations close
- 2/3/2026 Independent nominations close and HA/LC nominations declared
Nomination kits, forms and guides for candidates and scrutineers will become available in 2026.