About ECSA
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All government agencies and their activities are governed by legislation. The following Acts and Regulations are administered by the Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA):
These statutes provide the requirements enabling ECSA to conduct all aspects of state general elections and by-elections, referendums, local government periodic and supplementary elections, and the First Nations Voice to SA Parliament election.
In addition to these, ECSA conducts elections for many non-government bodies on request. Elections for non-government bodies are regulated by the relevant election rules contained in their Acts or constitutions (some of which are listed below).
Other statutes
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The Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) was founded in 1907 and is the statutory independent agency responsible for conducting state and council elections in South Australia.
In addition to state and council elections, ECSA also conducts many elections each year by request for community organisations, boards, and private companies, under section 8(2)(b) of the Electoral Act 1985.
Due to current commitments regarding the 2026 state election and periodic local government elections, ECSA will not be undertaking any community and commercial elections until 2027.
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Introducing Paula Hensing
Paula is a dedicated and passionate Legal Studies and Civics educator with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades.
She champions the importance of civics education, passionately believing that a thriving democracy relies on an informed citizenry that understands and embraces their voting responsibilities.
As a long-standing volunteer committee member of the Legal Education Teachers Association SA (LETASA) for more than 20 years, Paula has been honoured with multiple awards in recognition of academic excellence, significant contributions to curriculum development, and outstanding event facilitation.
With extensive experience in state electoral processes and a comprehensive understanding of the Australian Curriculum: Civics and Citizenship, as well as SACE Legal Studies, Paula is committed to delivering authentic electoral education, fostering student agency, and empowering students to find and use their voice in civic life.
You can contact Paula via email:
ATTENTION: Education Officer
Paula is based in our Light Square, Adelaide offices.
Paula out and about
Taking democracy to the classroom | Regional road trip - Education 2025
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The Australasian Parliamentary Educators Annual Conference 2024
Hosted in Adelaide, SA for 2024, the theme for 2024 Challenge Accepted - Overcoming Barriers to Delivering Civics Education, included a trip to the Zoo to visit the Tigers. The conference focused on the different barriers parliamentary, electoral and related education officers face when planning, delivering and promoting programs – with workshops and activities to consider possible solutions.
Pictured below with Paula is Natalie, Community Education and Engagement Manager, Parliament of South Australia.
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We publish a wide range of educational materials designed to inform and educate South Australians about our electoral processes. Brochures, guides, and videos range in accessibility levels and are produced in multiple languages to cater for everyone.
- Easy read guides
- ECSA TV explainer videos
- Funding and disclosure forms
- Funding and disclosure guides
- Funding and disclosure glossary
- Language guides (how to enrol and vote)
Living in an area to vote
Which council or electoral district do you vote in?
- What is an electorate district?
- Downloadable pdfs of district maps
- Electoral boundary redistributions
- Find your State electorate (interactive map)
- Find your Local Government Area (Council)
Understanding elections and voting
- Council election fast facts
- Counting the votes for the house of assembly
- Counting the votes for the legislative council
- Counting the votes for council elections
- How to complete your ballot papers