Nominations for the 2018 South Australian council elections have reached a twenty-year high.

A total of 1375 nominations were received by the Electoral Commission of SA (ECSA) – 41 more than in 2014. This is the highest number of nominations received since 1995, when SA had 115 councils compared to 68 today.

Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA) president Sue Clearihan said it is great to see more people interested in representing their local community, and she is encouraging the community to find out about their local candidates and cast their vote.

“All candidates are to be applauded for putting their hand up to serve their community,” said Cr Clearihan.

“I encourage South Australians to get to know their local candidates, and what they stand for.

“These elections are your chance to help shape your local area, and decide who you want representing you and your family in local decision making.

“Many candidates host their own public events or social media forums, which are a great opportunity to raise the issues that are important to you.”

Voting in council elections is voluntary in SA, unlike state and federal elections.

Ballot packs for contested elections will be sent out in the post from the week commencing 22 October, and completed ballot papers must be lodged before 5pm on 9 November 2018.

Nearly 32 per cent of eligible voters participated in the 2014 council elections, with participation rates higher in rural communities than in metropolitan areas.

“With around 700 positions open across metropolitan and regional councils, council elections are an incredible undertaking,” said Cr Clearihan.

“We have a near record number of candidates, and we’re hoping to see this matched with an increase in voter participation this year, with more people engaging in this important democratic process.”