Municipal Elections and By-Elections

Election processes are the same for all municipalities and the procedures for general elections and by-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.  Be sure to check the municipality's election bylaw for additional rules.

When are municipal elections?

The next general municipal elections will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026. Resort Municipality holds their election on Monday, August 3, 2026. Elections are held every four years and always on a Monday. 

How do municipal elections take place?

Municipalities councils have Election Bylaws that allows them to conduct and oversee elections. 

A municipality will appoint a Municipal Electoral Officer (MEO) and Deputy Municipal Electoral Officer by the 2nd Monday in May (May 11, 2026) in a general election year or as required for a by-election.    

Can a councillor run for a vacant mayoral position?

If a council member wishes to run for a vacant mayoral position, they must resign their current position.  If the two by-elections are to be held at the same time, that councillor must give notice to ensure the notice of nomination. 

[MGA section 60- 4 & 5 page 40 below]

(4) Resignation to accept nomination - Where the office of mayor is vacant, a member of council may be nominated for the office if the member resigns from council within 24 hours after accepting the nomination.

(5) By-election - A vacancy on a council that occurs pursuant to subsection (4) may be filled by a by-election held at the same time as the by-election for the position of mayor, in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the bylaws of the municipality.

Is my municipality divided into wards or is council elected at large?

Municipal elections will be at large if a municipality is not divided into wards.  Contact your municipality for more information.

What if there are not enough candidates nominated in the municipality?

If fewer people candidates are nominated, than the number required to be elected to municipal council, additional time is allowed for nominating candidates. 

If there are not enough nominations received at the end of the extension time period to fill the vacancies on council, the nominated candidates are acclaimed and the Minister may appoint the required additional number of councillors as long as they are qualified to hold office and are residents of the municipality.

If there are just enough candidates nominated the end of the extended nomination period to fill the positions, the candidates are elected by acclamation and there is no election day.

When there are more candidates nominated than there are council positions, the advance poll and election day will occur as scheduled.  

Can municipal employees run for municipal council?

An employee who meets all the qualifications and requirements is eligible to be a candidate under the Act.  However, the Act requires that an employee apply for leave of absence without pay prior to declaring their candidacy.