Information for Candidates
If you are thinking about running for local office the following information may help with your decision:
Province of BC:
- Candidates Guide to Local Elections in BC
- General Local Elections 101
- Scrutineer's Guide to General Local Elections in BC
- Supporting a Candidate for Local Elections in BC
- Thinking About Running for Local Office?
- What Every Candidate Needs to Know
- Videos: Being an Effective Elected Official
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
Requirements to be a Candidate
To be nominated, elected and hold office as a member of local government, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen;
- Be eighteen (18) years of age or older on general voting day (October 17, 2026);
- Be a 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.
Nomination Package
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.
Completed candidate nomination documents must be delivered to the Chief Election Office or Deputy Chief Election Officer by the end of the nomination period at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026.