When and where to vote in South Australia

Can I vote?

You can vote in the South Australian State Election if you are:

• 18 years old or over
• An Australian Citizen
• Have lived in your address for at least one month
• Enrolled to vote

If you didn’t enrol by the deadline, you can still vote on election day. Visit a voting centre to enrol and vote on the spot. Make sure you bring ID, such as your driver licence, learner permit, Australian passport, or a recent electricity bill or council rates notice in your name and showing your address. Let one of the South Australian Electoral Commission staff know you are not enrolled, and they can assist you.

Do I have to vote?

Yes, if you meet the criteria listed above you have to vote. You can receive a fine of $55 if you do not vote without a good justification for why you could not vote.

When to vote

The next South Australian State Election will be held on a Saturday, with voting open between 08:00 and 18:00 on that day.

The next South Australian election is scheduled to be held on the 21^st of March 2026.

Many people will vote on election day. If you cannot vote on election day, you can vote earlier in person or by mail (a postal vote) among other options listed below.

Where to vote

• On election day – at a voting centre near your home. These are usually public buildings, such as schools, churches, or halls. You can see what voting centres are available here South Australian Electoral Commission or by calling 1300 655 232 to find out what options are available.
• Before election day – at an early voting centre OR by postal vote. You can vote at early voting centres, with specific dates to be announced closer to the election.
• Vote by phone – you can use telephone-assisted voting if you are blind, have low vision, or have a physical disability. Check the South Australian Electoral Commission website for more details closer to the election.

What happens at the polling booth or early voting centre?

Outside the polling booth or early voting centre, you may see candidates and/or volunteers helping the candidates. They may offer you a piece of paper called a ‘how-to-vote’ card.

You do not need to take or follow the how-to-vote card if you do not want to. It can help you decide how to vote if you agree with the candidate’s policies. However, you can still vote for the candidate and rank the other candidates in a different order than what the how-to-vote card suggests.

Inside the polling booth, you will see a South Australian election official at a table with a list of names. You need to check in with the election official. They will ask for your name, your address, if you have already voted in the election, and to confirm your electorate. The election official will give you two ballot papers and will point you to where you should vote.

You will vote at cardboard voting booths. The booths have dividers so no one else can see how you vote. The booths have pencils that you can use to mark your vote, but you can also use your own pencil or pen.

If you need help filling out the election ballot papers, you can take a support person or friend with you. The election official can also help you. This helper should not tell you who to vote for and must not tell anyone how you voted without your consent.

What do you do if you will be overseas or interstate on election day?

If you will be travelling during election day, you can:

• Vote by post
• Vote at an early voting centre in South Australia before polling day
• Vote at an interstate electoral commission office before polling day

If you are travelling and unable to vote you can contact the South Australian Electoral Commission on 1300 655 232 or complete this form to let them know your reason for not voting.

If you are travelling or living overseas, you do not have to vote at South Australian elections. You will be automatically excused in state election if you notify the AEC you will be overseas here.