Information for Potential Candidates

 

Candidate Nomination Packages 

Candidate nomination packages will be available beginning Tuesday, August 4, 2026 and may be picked up at the Municipal Hall between regular business hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding statutory holidays). Packages will remain available throughout the nomination period.

Nomination documents will be received by hand, for filing with the Chief Election Officer at the District of Metchosin Municipal Hall, from 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026 through to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026 (excluding statutory holidays). 

Note: potential candidates should not wait until the last day and last minute to submit nomination documents to avoid potential problems with accepting nominations. 

Qualifications for Office

A person is qualified to be nominated, elected and to hold office as a member of local government, if they meet the following criteria:

  • 18 years of age or older on general voting day (October 17, 2026);
  • Canadian citizen;
  • Resident of British Columbia for at least six (6) months immediately before the day nomination papers are filed; and 
  • Not be disqualified by the Local Government Act or any other enactment from being nominated or, being elected to or holding the office, or be otherwise disqualified by law. 
     

Campaign Period Expense Limits

In accordance with the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, for the 2026 General Local Election, the following expense limits for candidates during the campaign period applies:

  • Office of Mayor - $12,323.78
  • Office of Councillor - $6,161.89

In accordance with the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, for the 2026 General Local Election, the following third-party advertising expense limitd apply:

  • Third party advertising limit (Office of Mayor or Councillor) - $924.28
  • Cumulative advertising - $184,856.70

For further information on campaign period expense limits and third-party advertising limits, please contact Elections BC: Toll free phone: 1-800-661-8683, Email: electoral.finance@elections.bc.ca, Website: www.elections.bc.ca 

For further information on the nomination process, please contact:

Kerry Fedosenko, Chief Election Officer, 250-507-7791
Tina Hansen, Deputy Chief Election Officer, 250-474-3167

Election Sign Restrictions

Candidates, their representatives, or their elector organization may place election signage in the JURISDICTION in accordance with section 9.1 [Political Campaign Signs] of the District of Metchosin Traffic and Highways Regulation Bylaw 1987, No. 57. All nomination packages include a form outlining the terms and conditions of the 2026 Election Sign Restrictions

Resources

If you are thinking about running for local office the following information may help with  your decision:

Province of BC: 

Election BC's role in local elections is to oversee compliance with the campaign financing and election advertising rules set out under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act (or LECFA) and Local Elections Campaign Financing Regulation. Candidate financial and election advertising rules are listed on the Elections BC website. The following resources can be access on their website: Guide to Local Elections Campaign Financing in B.C. For Candidates and their Financial Agents; quick reference sheets; local forms; online training; and information sessions for potential candidates. 

For any questions about the rules for local candidates call 1-800-661-8683 or email electoral.finance@elections.bc.ca 

Additional Resources for Candidates