The next general municipal election will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Running for council is a significant commitment to your community. Below you will find the necessary guidebooks and legal forms required to register and file your nomination.
Candidate Guidebooks & Information
Before beginning the process, prospective candidates are encouraged to review the official provincial resources:
- Municipal Candidate’s Guidebook (English)
- Chief Administrative Officer’s Campaign Financing Manual
- Campaign Expense By-law
- Use of Municipal Resources during the 42-day period before a general election or a by-election By-law
Step 1: Registration Candidates must officially register before they can begin accepting contributions or spending money on a campaign.
- Form 11A: Registration of Prospective Candidate – This must be filed with the Senior Election Official (SEO).
- Notice of Registration (Form 10A): Once registered, the municipality will provide public notice of your registration.
Step 2: Nomination
To have your name appear on the ballot, you must file official nomination papers during the designated nomination period.
- Form 13: Candidate Nomination – Requires signatures from eligible voters in the municipality.
- Form 14: Declaration of Candidate – A formal declaration of your eligibility to hold office.
- Form 15: Official Agent Appointment – Candidates may appoint an official agent to manage campaign finances.
Appointing a Scrutineer
Candidates are allowed to appoint scrutineers to represent them at the voting places on election day. The job of the scrutineer is to observe the conduct of the voting station to ensure it is operating in a free and fair manner.
Specifically, a scrutineer can:
- challenge any person believed not to be qualified to vote
- challenge any person believed to have already voted
- challenge any person believed to be personating a voter
For detailed rules about becoming a scrutineer and the conduct of scrutineers at the voting place, please see Elections Manitoba’s document Guide for Scrutineers
- Form 16: Scrutineer Appointment Form
- Form 17: Oath of Scrutineer
- Form 18: Information Sheet for Scrutineers
Important Dates & Reminders
- May 1, 2026 – September 20, 2026: Deadline for Candidate Registration For the office of head of Council
- June 30, 2026 – September 20, 2026: Deadline for Candidate Registration For the office of Councillor
- Withdrawal: If you choose to withdraw your candidacy, you must submit Form 19: Candidate Withdrawal.
- Financial Disclosure: Following the election, all candidates must comply with Form 14B: Publication of Candidate Disclosures
