Laws to move South Australia’s next round of council elections to April 2027 have passed State Parliament.

The reforms were developed after a request from the Acting Electoral Commissioner, who expressed concern about the Commission’s readiness to oversee this year’s local government elections.

The shift will mean the elections are held after the former Australian Electoral Commissioner, Tom Rogers AO has completed his review of the 2026 State Election.

Under the reforms, polling day shifts from November 11 this year to 7 April next year, with subsequent elections to be held every four years from November 2031.

The new date was chosen to enable the Electoral Commission further time to improve processes and recruit staff, while ensuring South Australians have their say and ensuring councils can set their 2027 budgets.

The reforms also mean South Australian voters do not need to take part in two major state-based elections in the same year moving forward.