Enrol Now to Vote in the Coorong District Council Elections

Want to make a real difference to the future of the Coorong district? Then it’s time to make sure you’re enrolled to vote in the upcoming local government elections.

With the removal of Council wards from November onwards, all eligible Coorong electors will have the chance to vote this year for seven area councillors who will serve the whole of the district, plus for the first time since amalgamation of the Coorong District Council, the community will elect their Mayor.

To ensure everyone has the chance to vote, Coorong District Council is urging all residents and ratepayers to check their enrolment status to ensure they’re ready to have their say in the November elections.

Importantly, it’s not only residents who should enrol to vote, but also those who own properties or run businesses in the Coorong, but who may live outside the district.

Coorong District Council Mayor Paul Simmons says the grass roots level of local government means it’s the closest tier of government to the community, and it impacts people’s everyday lives by delivering meaningful services, projects and initiatives.

“Councils are closely involved with the day-to-day functioning of our communities, providing many of the services, programs, infrastructure and support that our residents rely on,” Mayor Simmons says.

“That means your vote can have a real impact on the future of our district by determining who represents our community for the next four years.

“I strongly encourage everyone in our district – from residents to property owners – to make sure their name is on the electoral roll and to vote in the election this November.”

It’s also important that property owners who don’t live in the Coorong district – such as those who own holiday homes – as well as business owners and operators are aware that they also have the right to vote in the upcoming Council elections and should also take steps to check their enrolment eligibility.

People who are already enrolled on the State Electoral Roll for the Coorong District Council do not need to re-enrol. You can check your enrolment status here: check.aec.gov.au.

Those who aren’t on the State Electoral Roll may still be eligible to register to enrol on the Council Supplementary Roll. That includes people who:

• have been a resident at their current address for one month and are not on the State electoral roll
• are a sole owner/occupier of rateable property
• are not an Australian citizen but have been a resident at their current address for one month
• are a landlord for rateable property
• are an organisation/business owner or occupier of rateable property
• are a group of owners or occupiers of rateable property.

Importantly, the Council Supplementary Roll is wiped clean each year on 1 January – so if you were previously enrolled, you’ll need to make sure you enrol again if you intend to vote in the November elections.

Enrolment applications are available online: www.coorong.sa.gov.au/elections. Applications must be completed, witnessed and returned by 5pm on Friday 29 July 2022 to be eligible to vote.

Changes that will be coming into effect in November as the result of a recent review of Council’s composition will mean that Coorong residents and ratepayers may notice a difference to the ballot papers circulated in mid-October.

Council wards have been removed, and all electors will now have the chance to vote for seven area councillors plus the Mayor, who will all serve the district as a whole.

Anyone who is interested in contributing to the Coorong community is encouraged to consider nominating for a position on Council. Nominations for positions will open on Tuesday, 23 August 2022 and close at midday on Tuesday, 6 September 2022.

For updates and further information about the local government elections, visit www.coorong.sa.gov.au/elections.

- ENDS -

Contact:

Matt James
ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: council@coorong.sa.gov.au