Nominate

NOMINATE FOR COUNCIL - APRIL 2027 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

Update notice

The Local Government elections previously scheduled for November 2026 were deferred to April 2027 following changes to State legislation.

The nomination dates below reflect the confirmed election timetable released by the Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA).

If you’re considering standing for election to the City of Unley Council, this page provides key information on how to nominate, eligibility requirements, and what you need to prepare.

 

Key Nomination Dates

  • Nominations open: Tuesday 26 January 2027

  • Nominations close: 12pm, Tuesday 9 February 2027

Nominations must be lodged within this period.

 

Eligibility

To nominate as a candidate for the City of Unley Council, you must meet the eligibility requirements under South Australian legislation.

You are eligible to nominate as an Elected Member if you:

  • Are an Australian citizen
  • Are enrolled to vote in the City of Unley (or are the nominee of a body corporate or group on the voters roll)

 

 Refer to the Electoral Commission SA website for full eligibility criteria.

 

Candidate Information Training Modules

The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA) has prepared a training module for people wanting to learn about running for Council.

Modules include:

  • Leadership qualities and skills checklist
  • What is local government?
  • Council roles
  • Working together
  • Leadership and behaviour

Access the modules: Nominate for Council eLearning 

 

How to nominate

Nominations are managed by the Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA).

To nominate, you must:

  1. Prepare your nomination documents
  2. Complete the nomination process through the online ECSA portal
  3. Submit your nomination before the closing deadline

Click here for further information about the Nomination process.

 

What you need to submit

Your nomination must include:

  • A nomination form
  • A candidate profile (maximum 1,000 characters)
  • A declaration of eligibility
  • Any additional information required under legislation

You may also include:

  • A candidate photo (recommended)

Your profile and photo will be published by ECSA and distributed to voters with ballot packs.

 

Candidate obligations

Candidates must comply with requirements under the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, including:

  • Campaign authorisation requirements
  • Donation and gift disclosure rules
  • Election reporting obligations

Candidates are required to lodge:

  • Campaign donation returns
  • Large gift disclosures (where applicable)

 

What has changed?

Because of the election deferral:

  • nomination timing has shifted to early 2027
  • campaigning will occur over summer/autumn
  • election activities will overlap with Council budget planning
No major changes to the nomination process are expected as a result of the election deferral. Nominations will open on 26 January 2027 and close at 12pm on 9 February 2027. A public candidate briefing session will be held on 27 January 2027.

 

 

This content is authorised by CEO Peter Tsokas, 181 Unley Rd, Unley, SA, 5061

 

 

Back to top