Information for Candidates for Mayor or Councillor

Qualifications of Candidates for Mayor or Councillor

To run as a candidate, you must be:

• A Canadian citizen,
• At least 18 years of age on Election Day,
• A voter in the municipality (you are a resident or own property for at least six months prior to the date of the election and are on the voters list)
• not subject to disqualification under The Municipal Act or any other Act

To become a candidate for Mayor or Councillor, you must complete two main steps:

1. Registration, and 
2. Nominations

Registration

All candidates must register with the Senior Election Official during the registration period, before they can begin to accept contributions or spend money on their campaign. Candidates should contact the SEO to obtain the required registration form, or for more information. 

Candidates must register within a certain timeframe:

• For Mayor - registration period begins on May 1, 2026 and ends at the close of nominations (September 22, 2026).
• For Councillors - registration begins on June 30, 2026 and ends at the close of nominations (September 22, 2026).

Nominations

Once registered, prospective candidates will receive the nomination papers as part of the registration package. All candidates must file nomination papers that demonstrate they have support from eligible voters.

Nomination papers can be picked up in person from the Senior Election Official (SEO) at City Hall, 97 Saskatchewan Ave. E., between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Each set of nomination papers must include at least 25 signatures from voters listed on the official voters list.

All nomination papers must be filed in-person with the Senior Election Official during the nomination period which begins on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 and ends Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 4:30.

Senior Election Official (SEO)

Diane Van Aert, Senior Election Official
City Hall, 97 Saskatchewan Ave E
Phone: 204-239-8337
Email: dvanaert@city-plap.com

Key Dates

Candidate Registration Starts  
Mayors - May 1, 2026 
Councillors – June 30, 2026 
 
Nomination 
September 16, 2026 to September 22, 2026 
 
Campaign Period 
Mayors - May 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027 
Councillors - June 30, 2026 to March 31, 2027 
 
Withdrawal Deadline 
September 23, 2026 
 
Election Day - October 28, 2026 
 
Filing of Election Finance Statements 
No later than 210 days (May 26, 2027) after the election. 

Resources

Municipal Candidates Guidebook (English) – Municipal Elections 2026

Municipal and School Board Elections FAQ

Association of Manitoba Municipalities - Municipal Elections Resource Hub

The Municipal Councils and School Boards Elections Act