Information for Candidates for School Trustee (Ward 1)

Qualifications of Candidates for School Trustee in City of Portage la Prairie Ward 1 

To run as a candidate, you must be:

• A Canadian citizen,
• At least 18 years of age on Election Day,
• An actual resident in the school division for a period of at least six months at the date  
  of the election (since April 28, 2026)
• Not subject to disqualification under The Municipal Act or any other Act

To become a candidate for School Trustee, 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. Registration for candidates for School Trustee begins 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  - June 30, 2026 
Nomination - September 16, 2026 to September 22, 2026 
Campaign Period - 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

Manitoba School Boards Association - School Board Elections

Manitoba School Boards Association - School Boards and Trusteeship in Manitoba

Municipal and School Board Elections FAQ

The Public Schools Act

The Municipal Councils and School Boards Election Act