How do I fill in my ballot?
Note: before you read this, please make sure you're registered to vote. There's nothing worse than showing up on election day and finding out you didn't register, and can't vote. Click here to make sure you're enrolled to vote.
When you get marked off to vote in the state election you’ll be given two ballots. They’re filled in a little differently, so we’ll go through both.
If you’re Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander you can also vote in the First Nations Voice elections, find out more about those ballots here.
If you’re wondering why we vote the way we do check out this post.
First, some key points:
The ballot papers have the instructions on them, so you don't have to memorise this. It's just to help you be know what you will be faced with.
If you make a mistake, you can always ask for another ballot paper.
If you draw an illustration, or write things on your ballot papers, and those drawings or writing enters the square boxes... there's a chance your vote could not count.
Technically, you don't need to fill in the ballot papers. You can hand them in blank if you really want to.
House of Assembly ballot
Small green ballot
Who am I voting for?
A person to represent your electorate in the House of Assembly (Lower House)
What does that mean?
You’re picking someone who will represent you and your area in South Australia.
What does it look like?
Example Green House of Assembly ballot (source: Electoral Commission of South Australia)
How do I fill it in?
Put a '1' in the box next to your most preferred candidate (or party).
Put a '2' in the next next to your second most preferred.
Keep going until all the boxes are marked.
Make sure the numbers are clear and none are repeated.
You must mark all the boxes for your vote to be valid.
Legislative Council ballot
Big white ballot
Who am I voting for?
The make-up of the Legislative Council (Upper House)
What does that actually mean?
You’re voting for who you think should review legislation passed through the lower house
What does it look like?
Example Legislative Council ballot (source: Electoral Commission of South Australia)
How do I fill it in?
If you vote 'above the line', you need to mark at least one box.
You need put a '1' next to your favourite candidate, and if you want you can continue to number boxes, with a '2' for your second favourite, and so on.
If you vote 'below the line', you need to mark at least twelve boxes 1–12.
However, with both, you are free to mark as many as you like.
Practice ballots
The Electoral Commission has interactive practice ballots available on their website, both can be found via the links below.
