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Become a Candidate

The next General Municipal Election will take place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Serving on Council is an important responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to your community.

This section outlines the steps required to become a candidate, along with key resources and important deadlines.

RUNNING FOR OFFICE IN A MUNICIPAL ELECTION IS A THREE - STEP PROCESS:

1. Register your Intent to Run for Office

2. Get Nominated!

3. File your papers to be a candidate 

Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to review the following materials before registering:


Step 1: Candidate Registration

 You must register as a candidate before accepting contributions or incurring campaign expenses. 

Contact the Senior Election Official to make an appointment to register your intention to become a candidate for Mayor: Registration begins May 1, 2026, and closes September 22, 2026 or Council: Registration begins June 30, 2026 and closes September 22, 2026.

You must be:

  • A Canadian Citizen
  • At least 18 years of age on Election Day: October 28, 2026
  • A resident of Manitoba
  • A qualified voter in the municipality: have resided or owned property in the municipality for at least 6 months prior to Election Day
  • Not subject to disqualification under the Municipal Act or any other Act

Complete the Registration of Prospective Candidate form. Ensure all information you provide is correct.

Once you are registered you will be provided with:

  • A preliminary list of voters*

*This list may ONLY be used for campaign purposes. It is an offence to share or use the list for any other purpose. 

Eligible voters have until September 22, 2026, to add or change their names on the list of voters. After that date additions to the list may only be made when voting at advance polls or on Election Day.

  • The following are on the website:
    • o   A list of dates, times, and locations of Voting Stations on Election Day and Advance Polls
    • o   Ward maps and descriptions of Ward boundaries
    • o   A form for appointing an Agent
    • o   Forms and information for appointing Scrutineers
    • o   The date, time, and location of the drawing of the order of names to appear on the ballot
    • o   Contact information for the Senior Elections Officer and, for financial reporting, the Chief Administrative Officer of the municipality
    • o   Information regarding withdrawal of candidacy

You must ensure ALL public communications (print, signage, etc.) used in your campaign follow the regulations outlined in the Guidebook. 

You may now begin fundraising for your campaign. 


Step 2: Get Nominated
To appear on the ballot, candidates must submit nomination papers during the official nomination period.

Complete your Nomination requirements:

  • Candidate Nomination form: collect the full names, street addresses, and signatures of a minimum of 25 qualified voters whose names appear on the List of Voters, who support your candidacy. *

* Note: The names of a minimum of 25 qualified voters who appear on the List of Voters is required. It is up to you to verify that everyone who signs your nomination paper is a registered voter. Collecting additional names is recommended to ensure your submission will not be rejected due to  not registered on the List of Voters.

 Complete all other required forms

Scrutineer Appointment Form
Candidates may appoint scrutineers to observe voting stations on election day.

File your papers:

  • Contact the SEO to make an appointment to submit your completed papers for verification.

The Nomination Period is September 16 through 22, 2026. All documents must be submitted and verified no later than 5:00pm September 22, 2026.

Note: Election Officials may require up to 48 hours to verify all documentation is correctly completed. It is therefore strongly recommended that submissions are filed well before the end of the Nomination Period.

Late, incomplete, or incorrect submissions cannot be accepted.

Once your Nomination Papers have been verified you will take an Oath. 

You are now a Candidate, and your name will appear on the ballot. 

If there are no other candidates for the position, you will be declared elected by acclamation. 

If for some reason you cannot honour the commitment to continue, you may withdraw your Nomination, but ONLY if:

  • There are at least two other candidates for the position
  • The completed withdrawal form is submitted within 24 hours of the close of the nomination period (i.e. no later than 5:00pm September 23rd). 
  • The withdrawal form is signed in the presence of a witness. 

Step 3: After the Election

Filing the Election Financing Statement

Once you register to be a candidate, whether nominated, elected, or not, you must file an Election Finance Statement with the CAO of the Municipality by May 26, 2027 (210 days following the election). 

Detailed information and the forms to use are provided in the Financing Manual. 


Suggestions for Candidates when canvassing:

  • Vote Where You Live! 

It is important that voters know which Ward they are in and where they should be voting. 

  • Encourage your voters to ensure their names are on the List of Voters. Additions and changes can be made up to 5:00pm on September 22nd. 
  • Remind voters if they aren’t on the voters list they can still vote on Election Day 

or at an Advance Poll, but they will need to verify they are eligible.

  • If someone is unable to attend a voting location due to critical restrictions, a mobile poll can be arranged. Provide contact information to your Elections Officials; they will be happy to help.