About Local Government Elections
Council Elections
Unlike State and Federal elections, it is not compulsory to vote in South Australian council elections. However, council elections are the biggest single voluntary civic participation activity in the state with nearly 360,000 people voting in the 2014 council elections.
Another important difference from State and Federal elections is that all voting in council elections is done by post. Enrolled voters receive a voting package through the mail and return their votes in a reply paid envelope.
Legislative Framework
The rules for local government elections are set out in the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, an act of the South Australian Parliament. To view the Act go to www.parliament.sa.gov.au