Candidate Information for Municipal Elections

When are municipal elections?

General municipal elections are held every four years. (MGA s. 37) with the next general municipal election on Monday, November 2, 2026 for all municipalities except the Resort Municipality which will hold their general municipal election on August 10, 2026. 

Municipal by-elections will take place as vacancies on councils occur.  By-elections must occur within six months of a vacancy. (Section 60-1) with the following exception (Section 60-3):

•  A council may hold a vacancy open until the next general election only if
  • (a) the vacancy occurs in the last twelve months of the council’s term; and 
  • (b) despite the vacancy, council is able to maintain a quorum.

What are the rules for running a municipal election?

Election (and by-election) processes are the same for all municipalities and the procedures for elections are guided by the Municipal Government Act (MGA), the Municipal Election Regulations, the Campaign Contributions and Election Expenses Bylaw Regulations, and the Plebiscite Regulations. 

• View the Municipal Elections Page for more information. 
• Contact your municipality to view their election bylaw for additional rules. 
• Existing Council Members offering for re-election
• Municipal Election Campaign Fundraising and Expenses
• Signage regulations
• Municipal election offences and penalties

Who can run for municipal office?

You can run for municipal office if you*:

• Are a Canadian citizen
• Are at least 18 years of age or older
• Have been ordinarily a resident in the municipality for a period of at least six months before the election

*Different rules apply in the Resort Municipality (see subsections 33(4) and 33(6) of the MGA ).

I am a municipal employee – can I run for office?

What is the timeline for nominating candidates?

2026 Nomination period is October 7 - 16, 2026.  If not enough candidates are nominated to fill the council positions, the nomination period will be extended by an additional 7 days. There will be an immediate electronic notice in the municipality, if this is the case. (election regulations section 34) 

How do I know who is running for office in my municipality?

Do I have to live in the ward where I wish to run?

How do I become nominated?

A minimum of five qualified electors and up to a maximum of ten within the municipality (or the ward if the municipality is divided into wards) may nominate a candidate during the nomination period or extended nomination period. 

The candidate completes this Municipal Nominations Form and then must file it with the Municipal Electoral Officer or Returning Officer as directed by the municipality by the deadline. (October 16, 2026) A municipality, can require by bylaw, that a nomination deposit be paid, up to the maximum amount of $200. 

What do I do if I want to remove myself as a candidate?

If a candidate wants to be deemed as not officially nominated, they must withdraw from the municipal election before 2:00 pm on nomination day October 20, 2026 or by-election day November 6, 2022.  

A candidate must file a Candidate Withdrawal Form with the Municipal Electoral Officer stating that they officially withdraw.

An officially nominated candidate can withdraw from the election after nomination day until the end of the close of polls by filing aCandidate Withdrawal Form  with the MEO.  If the ballots cannot be changed in time for the election, the votes for that candidate are not counted.  However, if a candidate was elected by acclamation, their withdrawal after that time is a resignation and another by-election must be held. 

When a candidate withdraws, their nomination deposit (if one was required) will stay with the municipality. 

Are there rules for election campaign fundraising? 

Yes, the rules for fundraising and campaign expenses are set out in the Campaign Contributions and Election Expenses Bylaw Regulations and the municipality's election bylaw.  Visit Municipal Election Campaign Fundraising and Expenses for more information. 

How do I run for office if I am a federal public servant?

Can I have an agent?

A candidate can appoint one or more agents to represent them at the election or any election proceeding.  The Candidate Agent Form must be filled out prior to appointing an agent.

How many agents can I appoint?

A candidate may appoint up to two agents to represent them at any one polling station.

How much do I get paid as an elected official?

Wages or honorarium for elected officials differ from municipality to municipality.  Council wages and honorarium must be set out through municipal bylaw.  Contact your municipality for more information.

What do I do when I am elected?

Visit Information for Council Members for details on next steps and resources.

Forms for Candidates

Here are a list of forms that apply to candidates:

Municipal Nominations Form
Candidate Withdrawal Form
Candidate Agent Form

Post Election

Municipal Oath of Office (after elected)
Disclosure Statement of Campaign Contributions and Election Expenses 
Council Member Disclosure Statement Form Yearly reporting of council member (November each year)

Note: This page is prepared for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for specialized legal or professional advice.