ECSA
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Return to ECSA's Mis-Dis Information
The Electoral Commission of South Australia is the official source of election information in South Australia. Our Mis-Dis Register monitors and addresses prominent pseudo-legal, false or misleading claims about electoral processes in South Australia. If you see false, fake or misleading information, let us know via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via our official feedback and complaints process.
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| Register / Comment & Response | Source / Dated / Category |
|---|---|
| Comment: A friend received a card in the mail with details correct on the front but the polling places on the reverse are for a different electorate? Response: ECSA is aware that some EasyVote cards distributed in the Reynell district have the incorrect voting centres on the back of the card. The enrolment details on the cards are correct and can be used at any Voting Centre. Replacement EasyVote cards will be in the mail early next week. In the meantime, please remember that you can vote at any voting centre across South Australia. All polling locations can be found at ecsa.sa.gov.au |
Source: Social Media Dated: 13 March 2026 Category: Voting |
| Comment: Voting in the State Election is compulsory + “You are not legally obliged to mark the ballot paper” on the Official Guide Response: Section 85 of the Electoral Act (1985) states that, it is compulsory to attend the State Election to record your vote; however it is not compulsory to then mark the ballot papers either for the House of Assembly or the Legislative Council. |
Source: Emails Dated: 11 March 2026 Category: Elections |
| Comment: voteguide.com.au states the State Election is on March 28 Response: Polling day for the South Australian State Election is March 21. Early voting commences for everyone from March 14. |
Source: Website Dated: 3 March 2026 Category: Elections |
| Comment: The voting system contravenes the constitution in South Australia Response: The Electoral Act 1985 (SA) governs the electoral process in South Australia including the voting system. |
Source: Social Media Dated: 23 February 2026 Category: Legislation/Constitution |
| Comment: I can’t get to my local polling location Response: You can vote at any voting centre anywhere in South Australia. There are over 700 polling locations across South Australia, 24 remote locations, 9 correctional institutions, 6 hospitals and over 250 residential care facilities. Voting services will also be available at 7 interstate and 3 internaltional locations. You can also apply for a postal vote application or telephone assisted voting (eligibility criteria applies). |
Source: Social Media Dated: 11 February 2026 Category: Voting |
| Comment: I’ve heard people vote multiple times Response: You can only vote once in the election. |
Source: Social Media Dated: 10 February 2026 Category: Voting |
| Comment: What’s the point of voting? Response: Voting is mandatory in South Australia. |
Source: Social Media Dated: 9 February 2026 Category: Voting |
| Comment: A pencil vote can be erased Response: Pencils are used in elections because between elections, pens dry out in storage. |
Source: Social Media Dated: 6 February 2026 Category: Voting |
| Comment: I’m travelling, I can’t vote Response: You can apply for a postal vote to the known address of your destination. |
Source: Social Media Dated: 4 February 2026 Category: Voting |
- Details
If you are on the state electoral roll you will automatically be on the Council Voters Roll for your residence.
However, you may still be eligible to be on the Council Voters Roll if you are:
- on the state electoral roll in South Australia and
- a non-resident sole owner (a landlord of rateable property), or non-resident occupier (tenant) within a council area
- an owner or occupier of an organisation or business
- an owner of a holiday home
- group of owners or occupiers, of a rateable property.
Therefore, all landlords, organisations, business owners or occupiers, must re-enrol from January 1 of every election year to be eligible to vote, with the exception of the City of Adelaide.
If you are unsure whether you are enrolled on the council voters roll, contact your local council.
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At the close of nominations at 12 noon on Thursday 7 August 2025, the following elections accepted the candidate nominations that are listed on their respective election pages in the order in which they will appear on the ballot paper:
- Town of Gawler, Mayor
- Yorke Peninsula Council, Mayor
- District Council of Orroroo Carrieton, Area Councillor
- Adelaide Hills Council, Ranges Ward
- Adelaide Hills Council, Valleys Ward
- City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, St Peters Ward
- Mount Barker District Council, South Ward
Campaign disclosure returns
Candidates must lodge the following returns with the Electoral Commissioner:
Campaign donation return
Return no. 1 – lodgement from Friday 15 August to Thursday 21 August 2025
Return no. 2 – within 30 days of the conclusion of the election
Large gift return
Return lodgement within 5 days after receipt, only required for gifts in excess of $2,500
Detailed information about candidate disclosure return requirements can be found at www.ecsa.sa.gov.au
Voting conducted by post
The elections are conducted entirely by post and no polling booths will be open for voting.
Ballot papers and reply-paid envelopes are mailed out between Tuesday 26 August and Monday 1 September 2025 to every person, body corporate and group listed on each voters roll at the close of rolls on 5pm, Monday 30 June. Voting is voluntary.
A person who has not received voting material by Thursday 4 September 2025, and believes they are entitled to vote, should contact the deputy returning officer on 1300 655 232 before 5pm, Monday 15 September 2025.
Completed voting material must be sent to reach the returning officer no later than 12 noon on polling day Monday 22 September 2025.
Assisted voting
Prescribed electors under section 41A(8) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, may vote via the telephone assisted voting method by calling the Electoral Commission SA on:
1300 655 232 within South Australia only
08 7424 7400 from interstate
+61 8 7424 7400 from overseas
The Telephone Assisted Voting Centre will operate for the following times and days:
9am – 5pm, Thursday 18 September and Friday 19 September 2025
9am – 12 noon, Monday 22 September 2025 (close of voting)
Vote counting location
The scrutiny and counts will take place from 9:30am on Tuesday 23 September 2025 at the following location:
Electoral Commission SA Central Processing Centre
7 Hudson Court Netley 5037
A provisional declaration will be made at the conclusion of each election count.
Mick Sherry
RETURNING OFFICER
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For further information
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