Running your campaign
Candidates can campaign to share their background, priorities and ideas with voters and encourage them to vote.
Campaigning must follow South Australian electoral laws and council election rules, including requirements around authorisations, donations and advertising.
Campaign material must be accurate and properly authorised.
Starting your campaign
Before you start, make sure you understand the rules for campaigning which are set out in the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999.
You can find information about this from the following resources:
- Nomination Kit (available soon)
- Local Government (Elections) Act 1999
- Electoral Commission of South Australia
- Your local council’s website
To help you campaign, you may want a copy of the council’s voters roll for your area, which lists everyone eligible to vote in your election. You can do this at any time between the close of nominations and polling day of the council election.
Information provided from the council's voters roll is prohibited from being used for any purpose other than in a local government election. A maximum penalty of $10,000 may apply to offenders.
Learn more about this provision in the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, see sections 15(15) and 15(20).
What's involved when campaigning?
Running for council involves time, preparation and community engagement. Candidates should be ready to speak with residents, understand local issues, and explain their views.
There are also legal and reporting obligations linked to campaigning and election funding.
The council elections booklet has more information on the role of councillors and the mayor.
You can start promoting yourself to your community and campaigning for votes once your nomination has been accepted.
Campaign materials and events
Campaigning may include using printed materials, online content, community events and direct voter contact.
All campaign communications must include the required authorisation details. Candidates must follow rules on signage, advertising and electoral communications.
Visit preparing election materials to learn more.