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Elections

Election 2010

Local Government is an important part of Australia’s democratic system. Local Government works together with State and Commonwealth spheres of government in a way that impacts on our every day lives, and is an elected system of government directly accountable to the local community.

For Voters

Local Government elections provide an opportunity to elect representatives who aspire, through the decisions they will be empowered to make on our behalf, to the best possible contribution to effective local government.

There will be an Adelaide City Council Election in 2010.  To be able to vote you must make sure you are eligible and registered.

For Candidates

Becoming a member of council is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute to the community. In addition to providing community engagement, representation and leadership for residents and ratepayers, you will help shape a broad range of strategies and policies, acting according to the powers conferred by the Local Government Act 1999.

Dates

To nominate as a candidate or be eligible to vote, you must be on the Council voters roll before close of rolls. Intending candidates must submit a completed nomination form during the nomination period.  If you vote in State Government elections you will already be on the voting roll.

Key dates for the 2010 Local Government elections are as follows:


Close of rolls Mid August 2010 
Nominations to stand as a candidate
(No earlier than 14 days before they close) 		Open Early September 2010
Nominations to stand Close Mid September 2010
2010 Ballot Packs mailed out
(Between 14 and 21 days before close of voting) 		Late October 2010 
Close of voting Friday, 12 November 2010
Vote count Saturday, 13 November 2010


Who can nominate as a candidate 

Anyone can stand for elections regardless of qualifications, religion, gender or employment provided that:

  • You are an Australian citizenship or have been a member of a Council at any time between 5 May 1997 and 1 January 2000.
  • You are an elector for the area, or the nominee of a body corporate or a group either of which has its name on the council’s voters roll (you must be an officer of the body corporate or a member of the
    group or an officer of a body corporate  that is a member of the group).

You are ineligible to nominate if you are:

  • A Parliamentarian.
  • An undischarged bankrupt.
  • Discharged from holding office by a court order.
  • Are a council employee in a council for which you are nominating.
  • A candidate in another council area.
  • Likely to serve a term of imprisonment.


What you can nominate for

The Adelaide City Council has both ward and area councillors. Candidates may nominate for any position but only one position (i.e. not dual candidacy). In the 2010 Elections, the Council will be elected from 12 positions as follows:

  • Lord Mayor.
  • 5 Area Councillors.
  • 6 Ward Councillors (2 Councillors from 3 wards).

» Ward Boundaries (PDF, 494Kb) 
 

Attributes of a successful candidate

You may wish to consider whether or not you:

  • Are prepared for the time commitment involved, not only in campaigning but in office.
  • Have some established community links.
  • Have some understanding of local government and how it works, coupled with a willingness and capacity to develop skills and acquire knowledge in the area.
  • Are able and willing to apply any professional and personal knowledge and skills in key areas including social, financial or political analysis, group participation, and bi-lingual communication.

Election Liaison Officers
For nominations, candidate info, general enquires contact:

Kate McKenzie
Acting Manager, Corporate Governance, Adelaide City Council

For voters roll/voting eligibility contact:

Daniel Blank
Team Leader, Rates and Services, Adelaide City Council

Other useful contacts
For voters roll/voting eligibility contact:

Leeanne Redpath
Senior Electoral Officer, Electoral Commission SA
P. 08 7424 7420

Useful Links

» Local Government Association
» Office for State/Local Government Relations (State Government body) 
» Application for Electoral Enrolment (Australian Electoral Commission)
» Representation Review
» Enrolling to Vote