State Election News

Details

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.

-end

Details

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:

  1. Key election dates
  2. Significant changes introduced since the 2022 election
  3. Guidelines for advertising and the process for lodging complaints
  4. Nomination procedures
  5. 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and an electronic invitation or meeting request will be sent to you.

The session will be recorded and published so that those unable to attend can access the same information.

Notes;

  1. A separate online townhall session will be held on funding and disclosure requirements for the election.
  2. An independent candidate has not been endorsed by a Registered Political Party.

Kind regards
Nominations Team

Details

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:

  1. Enfield Community Center - Tuesday, January 13 9:30am 11:30am
  2. Ngutungka Westlakes Community Center - Wednesday, February 4 11.30am-12.30pm
  3. Ngutungka Westlakes Community Center - Saturday, February 7 2pm-3pm 
  4. Salisbury, Bagster Road Community Center - Monday, February 10, 10am-12pm
  5. Marion Cultural Centre – Tuesday, February 17 | 10:00am-12:00pm
  6. Port Adelaide Plaza - Thursday 19th February | 9:30am-12:30pm
  7. Morella Community Center - Thursday, February 26, 10am-12 pm 
  8. Junction Community Centre – Monday, March 2, 11:45am-12:45pm
  9. 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: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
T: 1300 655 232

Details

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.

State Election website

 

Details

ECSA's Engagement Officers will host an online session to answer questions and share information about the next SA First Nations Voice Election and State Election, which is to be held on Saturday, 21 March 2026.

Engagement Event Online - RSVP essential for meeting link
Date: Tuesday 11 November 2025
Time: 5.30pm-7pm
Register: via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We will discuss:

·         Enrolling on the electoral roll
·         Voting in the SA First Nations Voice Election and 2026 State Election
·         Nominating for the SA First Nations Voice Election
·         Candidate support

More information
https://www.savoiceelection.sa.gov.au/ 

Aboriginal Engagement Officer
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
T: 1300 655 232

  1. ECSA's Engagement team are visiting locations arcoss Region 1 during November and December 2025
  2. Inclusive Democracy: the DEA Committee Launches Its Work
  3. Fuller Appointed to Lead 2026 State Election Advertising Campaign

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