Important Update:
The Local Government elections previously scheduled for November 2026 were deferred to April 2027 following changes to State legislation. Key election dates have now been confirmed by the Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA), and the information on this page has been updated accordingly.
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Elections Overview
The next Local Government elections for the City of Unley will take place in April 2027, following a decision by the South Australian Parliament to defer the 2026 elections.
This election will be to elect a Mayor and twelve Elected Members for the 2027–2031 Council term.
Voting will close at 5:00pm on Wednesday 7 April 2027.
This change affects:
- election timing and key milestones
- the term of current Elected Members
- future election cycles
Council elections are a statutory process conducted under the Local Government Act 1999. The election is administered by the Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA), with Council responsible for supporting voter enrolment, providing election information, and meeting governance and legislative obligations throughout the election period.
This page will be updated regularly as the election progresses, with key information about enrolment, nominations, voting, candidates and results. While the Electoral Commission manages voting, counting and declaration of results, Council supports the election through communications, customer enquiries, and compliance with legislative requirements.
The rules for elections are set out in the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 - an act of the South Australian Parliament.
Key Dates (Updated and Confirmed)
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Event
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Date
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Close of voters roll
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5pm, Monday 4 January 2027
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Nominations open
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12pm, Tuesday 26 January 2027
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Public Candidate Briefing Session
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TBA
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Nominations close
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12pm, Tuesday 9 February 2027
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Ballot Paper Draw
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9am, Wednesday 10 February 2027
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Voting period
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March–April 2027
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Close of voting
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5pm, Wednesday 7 April 2027
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Scrutiny and Count
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Saturday, 10 April 2027
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Council Election Process
Council Elections are broken up into three main phases being Enrol, Nominate and Vote.
Enrol
To vote in the City of Unley Council Elections, eligible electors must be correctly enrolled on the voters roll by 5pm, Monday 4 January 2027.
This may include residents, non‑resident property owners and, where applicable, nominated representatives for businesses or organisations. Eligible electors are encouraged to check their enrolment details to ensure they are recorded correctly.
Nominate
Eligible persons enrolled on the voters roll may nominate as a candidate for Mayor or Councillor.
Nominations are submitted directly to the Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA). Council provides neutral information and support to candidates throughout the nomination period, including a public candidate briefing session.
Vote
The City of Unley Council Election is conducted as a postal election.
Voting materials are mailed to enrolled voters, who complete their ballot papers by following the instructions provided and return them directly to ECSA using the reply‑paid envelope. Voting in council elections is not compulsory.
Candidate Information
Following the close of nominations, candidate details will be made publicly available in accordance with legislative requirements.
This includes candidate names and profiles as provided to ECSA.
About the Election Deferral FAQs
Why have the elections been deferred?
The South Australian Government has passed legislation to move council elections from November 2026 to April 2027.
This new timing balances:
- the Electoral Commission’s need for sufficient preparation time
- minimising the extension of current Council terms
What this means for City of Unley
- Current Council members will remain in their roles until April 2027
- Their term is extended by approximately 5 months
- The next Council term will run until November 2031
- Elections will then return to a regular four-year cycle
When will I be able to vote?
Voting papers will be mailed to enrolled voters between 11 March and 17 March 2027, with voting closing at 5pm on Wednesday 7 April 2027.
Are these dates final?
Key election dates have now been confirmed by the Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) and are reflected throughout this page."
Why April 2027?
The April date balances:
- election delivery considerations
- minimising extension of current elected members’ terms
Will there still be elections after this?
Yes. The following elections will be held in:
- November 2031
- November 2035
For enquiries about nominating or the election process, please contact the City of Unley or the Electoral Commission of South Australia.
This content is authorised by CEO Peter Tsokas, 181 Unley Rd, Unley, SA, 5061