State Election News
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For immediate release Monday February 2, 2026
Postal Voting Applications Open
If you can’t make it in person to an early voting centre or voting centre on polling day, postal voting is available.
If you are travelling, unwell, infirm or living with disability, located more than 8km from a polling booth or due to give birth soon, you may be eligible to apply for a postal vote. Learn more.
How to make a postal vote application?
Voters will have the convenience of applying for a postal vote online, via the new Postal Vote Application Portal or the ECSA call centre 1300 655 232.
Postal voting applications open online, TODAY, Monday February 2.
Postal voting applications close for voters outside of South Australia on March 13.
For voters within South Australia, the last day to apply is March 17.
Postal voting in the South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament
Those who are eligible to vote in the South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament can also register via the Postal Vote Application Portal on the ECSA website: ecsa.sa.gov.au. Those who are permanent postal voters will need to specifically register via the Postal Vote Application Portal to ensure they receive their postal voting pack for the First Nations Voice to Parliament election.
When will electors get their postal voting pack?
Postal voting packs will be distributed from March 10 once candidates are declared and ballot papers are printed.
If eligible electors are unable to access the online Postal Vote Application Portal, please contact the ECSA call centre on 1300 655 232 for assistance.
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STATEMENT REGARDING ELIGIBILITY OF ELECTION CANDIDATES
Issued 29 January 2026
South Australian Electoral Commissioner, Mick Sherry has issued a clarification regarding the determination of election candidates’ eligibility.
A recent ECSA statement offered an initial view of eligibility when responding to a media query about public funding.
The final determination regarding candidate eligibility will be made once nominations have been received and assessed against the requirements of the Electoral Act and Constitution Act.
Nominations for the State Election open on 23 February 2026 and eligible House of Assembly candidates are declared on 2 March 2026.
I do not intend to provide a running commentary on individual prospective candidates in the meantime.
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You are invited to a briefing session at 2.45pm on Tuesday 27 January 2026.
Participants: Independent Candidates
Date and Time: 27 January 2026 between 2.45pm and 3.45pm.
Venue: Online (Townhall session) and will be recorded.
The briefing sessions will cover a range of essential topics, including:
- Key election dates
- Significant changes introduced since the 2022 election
- Guidelines for advertising and the process for lodging complaints
- Nomination procedures
- The process for determining results, including scrutiny and the count.
This event will be conducted as an online town hall to accommodate candidates throughout South Australia.
If you wish to take part in this session, RSVP via email to
The session will be recorded and published so that those unable to attend can access the same information.
Notes;
- A separate online townhall session will be held on funding and disclosure requirements for the election.
- An independent candidate has not been endorsed by a Registered Political Party.
Kind regards
Nominations Team
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ECSA's Engagement Officers are visiting Enfield, Salisbury, West Lakes, Parafield Gardens and Marion during February and March 2026, to share information about the next State Election, which is to be held on Saturday, 21 March 2026.
Engagement Events:
- Enfield Community Center - Tuesday, January 13 9:30am 11:30am
- Ngutungka Westlakes Community Center - Wednesday, February 4 11.30am-12.30pm
- Ngutungka Westlakes Community Center - Saturday, February 7 2pm-3pm
- Salisbury, Bagster Road Community Center - Monday, February 10, 10am-12pm
- Marion Cultural Centre – Tuesday, February 17 | 10:00am-12:00pm
- Port Adelaide Plaza - Thursday 19th February | 9:30am-12:30pm
- Morella Community Center - Thursday, February 26, 10am-12 pm
- Junction Community Centre – Monday, March 2, 11:45am-12:45pm
- Hallet Cove Pavillion - Thursday, March 5, 10am-12pm
We will help you with:
- Enrolling on the electoral roll
- Update your enrolment details
- Advise on your options for voting
- Any questions you may have.
Engagement Officer
Steph Keightley
E:
T: 1300 655 232
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The Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) has appointed Hughes PR, a respected Adelaide-based communication management consultancy, to support public relations efforts for the 2026 State Election.
With over three decades of experience in strategic communication, reputation management, and crisis response, Hughes PR will play a key role in supporting ECSA’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and public confidence in the electoral process.
In an increasingly complex media landscape, where misinformation and disinformation pose real risks, Hughes PR will work closely with ECSA to proactively manage media relations and provide expert guidance.
The appointment followed a competitive procurement process supported by Dept of Treasury & Finance, Procurement SA, with final documentation signed earlier this week. Hughes PR’s expertise will be instrumental in helping ECSA navigate any new challenges presented during the 2026 State Election, scheduled for Saturday, 21 March 2026.
- ECSA's SA Voice Engagement team are hosting an online information session on 11 November
- ECSA's Engagement team are visiting locations arcoss Region 1 during November and December 2025
- Inclusive Democracy: the DEA Committee Launches Its Work
- Fuller Appointed to Lead 2026 State Election Advertising Campaign