The District Council of Yankalilla hopes to avoid another bye election to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Councillor Glen Rowlands.

The council has received advice from the Electoral Commission that the vacancy can be filled through a 'countback' process of the unsuccessful candidates in the July bye election.

That election saw Karin Hatch elected to the council; Gavin Denton and Shane Grocke were the unsuccessful candidates.

The Electoral Commission will contact Mr Denton and Mr Grocke to determine their willingness and eligibility to fill the position.

If only one candidate is willing and eligible, they will be automatically appointed to the position.

If neither candidate is willing or eligible, the Electoral Commission will hold a further supplementary election for the Light Ward.

Should the countback or direct appointment go ahead, the process is expected to take two to three weeks, with the new councillor in place by November.

Glen Rowlands was elected to Yankalilla council in 2014, serving as Mayor until he stepped down from the role in May 2021.

He was re-elected as a Light Ward councillor in November 2022.

Cr Rowlands made a formal apology to the council at its September meeting for his behaviour at the June meeting, when he expressed frustration and walked out.

He says he intends to continue working for his community.