If you are considering running in the election you must register before you can begin to accept contributions and spend money on your campaign. To register, you must fill out a Registration Form, available from your municipality's Senior Election Official.
- Reeve candidates must register between May 1, 2022 and September 20, 2022.
- Councillor candidates must register between June 30, 2022 and September 20, 2022.
Frequently Asked Candidate Questions
What is the term length of municipal elected officials?
If elected to a municipal council, you will be expected to serve a four year term. Officially, the term begins at noon the day after Election Day. (October 27, 2022)
Do municipal officials receive a salary for their service?
Members of council receive compensation, called an indemnity, for their work on council. Each council sets the type and rates of payment to members, so the amount of compensation varies amongst municipalities. The Municipal Act requires the municipality's annual financial statement to show the amount of compensation.
What are the qualifications to run for municipal council or a Local Urban District committee?
- Are a Canadian citizen;
- Are at least 18 years of age on Election Day;
- Are a resident of Manitoba;
- Are a qualified voter of the municipality or LUD (you have either resided or owned property in the municipality or LUD for at least six months); and
- Have not been disqualified from running under The Municipal Act, or any other Act (see below for examples of disqualifications).
- Are a judge of the Court of Queen's Bench or the Court of Appeal;
- Are a provincial judge or justice of the peace;
- Are a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba or the Senate or House of Commons of Canada;
- Are a sitting member or are nominated for office in another municipality or school division;
- Are an employee of the municipality, unless you have been granted a leave of absence; or
- Have been disqualified, for any of the following reasons:
- Have committed an election offence, and are barred from running in the municipal election;
- Have been convicted under The Municipal Act or any other Act and have not paid the fine imposed;
- Have been convicted of a fine punishable by imprisonment for five or more years;
- Have been convicted under The Criminal Code (Canada) under any of the following sections: 122 (breach of trust by public officer), 123 (municipal corruption), 124 (selling or purchasing office), or 125 (influencing or negotiating appointments or dealings in office);
- Cease to be qualified as a voter in the municipality; or
- Breach the requirement of confidentiality for a matter that is discussed at a council meeting closed to the public.
Can I run for office if I work for the municipality or a regional municipal body (Planning District, Conservation District, etc.)?
Can I run for office in a municipal election if I am a federal public servant?
Before seeking nomination as, or being, a candidate in a federal, provincial or municipal election, federal public servants subject to the political activities provisions (Part 7) of the Public Service Employment Act are required to obtain permission from the Public Service Commission and, if applicable, a leave of absence without pay during the election period. To find out more about your legal rights and responsibilities regarding political activities visit http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/plac-acpl/index-eng.htm.
(This information was provided by the Public Service Commission of Canada in August, 2014.)
May I hold elected office in a school division and municipality at the same time?
A person may not hold more than one elected position on a local authority (municipality and / or school division) at a time, or be nominated to more than one elected position during an election. You may not run for municipal office if you are already nominated to run for office in another municipality or school division. You may not run for school division office if you are already nominated to run for office in another school division or municipality.
Can I run as a candidate for councillor in a ward that I do not reside or own property in, as long as I reside or own property in the municipality?
If I register to run for Head of Council, am I later able to change my registration to run for councillor instead?
When can I start campaigning?
You must register before you can begin to accept contributions and spend money on your campaign. To register, you must fill out a Registration Form, available from your municipality's Senior Election Official.
When can I register?
- Mayor and Reeve candidates must register between May 1, 2022 and September 20, 2022.
- Councillor candidates must register between June 30, 2022 and September 20, 2022.
Can the public view my registration form?
Yes, your registration form is kept in the possession of the Senior Election Official. Interested members of the public may view it during the Senior Election Official's regular office hours.
Are there any rules about spending money for my campaign, or reporting the amounts I spend?
Can I pick up nomination papers when I register?
Yes. The Senior Election Official will have nomination papers available for you when you register.
How many people need to nominate me to run for office?
At least one percent of the eligible voters in your municipality must sign in support of your nomination. These voters must appear on the municipality's voters list to be considered eligible. For example, if there are 1,679 eligible voters, you must obtain at least 17 signatures. The maximum number of signatures you must obtain is 25 – the minimum is two. Talk to the Senior Election Official to ensure you know the minimum number of signatures you need on your nomination form.
When do I have to file my nomination papers?
- September 14 to September 20, 2022
Can the public view my nomination papers?
Yes, once you file your nomination papers, they are kept in the possession of the Senior Election Official. Interested members of the public may view them during the Senior Election Official's regular office hours.
What if I decide I don't want to run for office after I've filed my nomination?
If you file your nomination, and then decide that you do not want to run for office, you may withdraw your name under certain conditions. Your withdrawal will only be accepted up until 24 hours after the nomination period closes, and only if enough candidates remain to fill the offices. You must sign your withdrawal in the presence of a witness, and file it with the Senior Election Official during office hours.
Can I have campaign signs at the voting place on Election Day?
- distribute pamphlets, buttons or other items referring to the election, or a candidate;
- wear or display any item that refers to the election or a candidate; or
- post or display a sign or poster referring to the election or a candidate.
I have been asked by a candidate to act as scrutineer. What does a scrutineer do?
How many scrutineers is a candidate allowed to appoint?
The legislation states that a maximum of two scrutineers (per candidate) are entitled to be present at a voting station at one time. However, a candidate can appoint as many scrutineers as they would like.
Is a candidate entitled to act as a scrutineer?
Can I use the title of Mayor or Councillor in election Communications?
Is the scrutineer able to wear or display anything that shows they represent a particular candidate?
On Election Day, scrutineers may wear a badge or ribbon indicating, by colour alone (not name), the candidate they represent. No other person may wear anything that identifies the person as a supporter of the candidate.