Toggle search box search Open main navigation menu Menu Close menu

Nominate

Winning your campaign

When voting closes, the Electoral Commission of SA (ECSA) collects and checks all returned ballot papers. Votes are counted and preferences are distributed according to electoral rules.

Scrutineers may observe the count process. Once counting is complete, results are formally declared and published on the ECSA website.

Votes needed to win

There's no fixed number required to win as results depend on total votes cast and preference distribution.

The number of votes needed to win depends on the number of candidates and positions available in your council area or ward. SA council elections use a preferential voting system, so preferences may decide the final result.

What happens if I get elected?

If elected, you'll formally be declared as a successful candidate by the Electoral Commission of SA. Your council will then contact you with next steps, including required paperwork and onboarding information.

Your term begins once declarations and formalities are completed. Important information for new councillors includes:

  • The Local Government Act 1999 and regulations
  • council organisational structure
  • council strategic management plan
  • council policies and procedures
  • the current budget and budget proposals for next year
  • the current annual report.

Most of this information can be found on your council’s website.

Your regular employment

You don't need to resign from your regular employment to be a council member.

However, this may vary according to your role and council. For example, a mayor of a city council will have higher demands and increased responsibilities compared to a mayor of a regional council.

Induction to council

The council’s CEO will arrange an orientation and induction for the newly elected council. Your induction may include:

  • a council leadership workshop to get to your know elected council representatives, CEO and senior staff
  • information about local government, your role and responsibilities
  • information on how your council is structured and operates
  • a tour of the council facilities and the local area
  • introductions to key staff
  • copies of council strategies, plans, policies and relevant legislation

Newly elected members take part in an induction program run by the council.

Induction covers governance responsibilities, legal obligations, meeting procedures, and the role of elected members.

Declaring that you're a council member

Before taking office, elected members must complete required declarations and paperwork, including interests and eligibility disclosures. Once these steps are completed, you can formally act in the role of council member.

Declaration ceremony

Once elected, candidates must complete a Declaration of Office before they are officially on council.

This is a formal declaration to carry out your duties to the best of your ability. It's signed in front of a Justice of the Peace. This must occur at or before your first council meeting.

Each council has its own procedure for this ceremony. You may be asked to wear robes, read the declaration aloud or make a statement.

Declaration forms

You must also complete official declarations about yourself and your interests via the following official forms:

  • a primary return (of your financial and other interests)
  • an ordinary return (an update of changes to the primary return) each year.

The primary return must be completed within six weeks of the conclusion of the election. The CEO will explain how this process works in your council.

For transparency and accountability, your returns will be accessible to the public on a register of interests. This is published on your council website.

Training and development

The Local Government Act 1999 requires each council to have a training and development policy for council members to help you do your duties.

The Act requires council members to do regular training that aligns with council’s policy and that complies with the LGA Training Standards (PDF 571.6 KB).

You must complete mandatory training within the first 12 months of your four-year term mid-term refresher training. Mandatory training will cover topics such as:

  • the role and function of local government and council
  • behavioural and legal responsibilities
  • strategic planning
  • decision making
  • council and committee meetings
  • financial management and reporting.

Being an effective councillor means seeking ways to continue to learn throughout your term on council. LGA offers a range of ongoing learning opportunities that can help you.