Call for South Australians to get involved in the 2027 council elections
The Shape Your World campaign, launched by LGA and the Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA), encourages South Australians to take an active role in the 2027 council elections, by exploring becoming a candidate or having their say at next year’s ballot.
With candidate nominations opening in January, LGA President, Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross said now was the time to find out what serving on council involves.
“Every community has people who bring others together, see opportunities and care deeply about their local area,” Mayor Holmes-Ross said.
“They might be volunteering at a sporting club, running a business, raising a family or helping their neighbours. We want them to see that there could be a place for them on council.
“You don’t need a particular background to make a valuable contribution, your experience, your ideas and your willingness to listen to others are a good place to start.”
Mayor Holmes-Ross said council decisions touch everyday life, from local roads, parks and libraries to community facilities and planning for the future.
“Standing for council is an opportunity to help guide those decisions and contribute to something that matters,” she said.
“It takes commitment, and people should have the opportunity to understand the responsibilities before putting their hand up. That’s why we’re starting this conversation now.
“If you’ve ever wondered whether you could make a difference on council, use the coming months to learn about the role, attend an information session and talk to people who have done it.
“We want people from different backgrounds and stages of life to consider standing, so our councils reflect the communities they serve.”
To help people explore whether council is right for them, LGA offers free online learning, including a 10-minute leadership qualities and skills checklist and short online courses explaining what elected members do, how council decisions are made and the responsibilities of the role.
“You don’t have to decide today whether you’ll stand,” Mayor Holmes-Ross said.
“Start with the online self-check, explore what the role involves and see how your skills and experience could contribute. It’s a simple first step toward making an informed decision before nominations open in January.”
Mayor Holmes-Ross said the campaign also encouraged South Australians to recognise the part they can play through voting.
“Whether you choose to stand or help choose who represents you, council elections are an opportunity to take an active part in your community’s future,” she said.
South Australia’s next periodic local government elections were originally slated for November 2026 but were deferred by the South Australian Parliament to April 2027 at the request of the Electoral Commission SA.
The updated key dates for the 2027 Council Elections are:
- Nominations open: 26 January 2027
- Nominations close: 12:00pm, 9 February 2027
- Ballot mailed-out: 11 – 17 March 2027
- Voting close: 5:00pm 7 April 2027
Voting in South Australian council elections is conducted by postal ballot, making it easy for residents to participate and have their say in the future of their local community.
Learn more at: councilelections.sa.gov.au
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For media enquiries, contact media@lga.sa.gov.au or 0476 853 689.