Would you like to make a difference to your community? Have you considered nominating to be a council member so you can participate in making decisions that are in the best interests of the Alexandrina region?
Becoming a council candidate can be rewarding. If you are passionate about the community and are keen to make a difference, nominating for council may be for you.
On this page:
- Who can nominate for council?
- When can I nominate?
- How to nominate
- Election signage
- Useful resources for candidates
- Link to ECSA Candidate eLearning Tool
Who can nominate for council?
You can become a candidate in the 2027 council elections if you are:
- an Australian citizen over 18 years old, and either
- enrolled to vote in the Council area, or
- be a nominee of a body corporate or whose name appears on the voters roll for Alexandrina Council area.
if you are eligible to be on Council's voters role, you are eligible to nominate.
You are not eligible to be a candidate for election as a member if you are:
- a member of an Australian Parliament; or
- an undischarged bankrupt or is receiving the benefit of a law for the relief of insolvent debtor; or
- have been sentenced to imprisonment; or
- an employee of Alexandrina Council.
When can I nominate for council
You can nominate for council from Tuesday 26 January 2027 onwards. You must complete and lodge your nomination with Electoral Commission SA (ECSA) by 12 noon Tuesday 9 February 2027.
How to nominate
To nominate for council, you must complete and submit your nomination via ECSA's candidate portal.
Electoral Commission of South Australia
Election Signage
Where election signs CAN be displayed
- On private property, with the permission of the property owner and subject to any relevant planning or local requirements. The prohibition in section 226(2a) relates specifically to public roads and road-related areas.
- When held by a person in their hands or attached to a device being carried.
- At or near a designated election event or activity (such as candidate forums, meetings or canvassing activities), provided the sign:
- is not attached to a building, structure or fixture on a public road or road-related area; and
- is displayed immediately before, during or immediately after the event; and
- is displayed for no more than six hours.
Where election signs CANNOT be displayed
Candidates cannot place corflutes or other election signs:
- On road verges.
- On roundabouts.
- On public footpath reserves.
- On stobie poles, trees, fences or other structures within road reserves.
- On any other public road-related are are.
Useful resources for candidates
Important information for candidates is now available on the Electoral Commission of SA website
including the Candidate eLearning Tool, which provides four modules for a deeper dive into understanding:
- Leadership qualities and skills checklist
- MODULE 1 - What is Local Government
- MODULE 2 - Council roles
- MODULE 3 - Working together
- MODULE 4 - Leadership an Behaviour
Candidate Information Session
Council is planning on holding a free candidate briefing sessions:
- Overview of local government
- Skills and characteristics of a Council Member
- Support available to Council Members
- Campaigning during the 2027 Council Elections
- Experiences of previous Council Members
For further candidate information, please contact Council 8555 7000 or visit us in person at the Goolwa office, 11 Cadell Street Goolwa.
Visit our Elections website pages for more information alexandrina.sa.gov.au/elections2027
This content is authorised by CEO Andrew MacDonald, 11 Cadell Street, Goolwa SA 5214.
Key council election dates
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
Enrolment closes Enrol to vote at your council elections. Enrol now or check your enrolment status online. | 5:00pm, xx |
Nomination opens Interested in running for council? You will need to nominate to become a candidate before you can start campaigning your candidacy. | xx |
Nomination closes Your nomination to become a candidate has to be sent in before this deadline. | 12:00pm, xx |
Voting opens Ballot packs will be sent to the mailing address you used during your enrolment. Keep an eye out for it in the mail! Instructions and guides on how to vote are included in the ballot pack. | xx to xx |
Voting closes This is your last day to vote for your preferred candidate running for your council. | 5:00pm, xx |
Scrutiny and count Votes are counted and scrutinised (if requested) before winners are announced by Electoral Commission of South Australia. | 9:00am, xx |