Information for Candidates

Ward 1 By-Election will be held September 19, 2023.

Nomination Period for Ward 1 councillor is now closed


Qualifications of a Candidate

A person may be nominated as a candidate in the municipal election if, on Nomination Day, the person is:

  • 18 Years of age or older,  
  • a Canadian citizen, 
  • you must have been a resident of the local jurisdiction for the 6 consecutive months preceding nomination day.  **You must also have been a resident of the ward in which you intend to run for the same six-month period.**
  • Not otherwise ineligible or disqualified. 

Nominations must be completed on the prescribed forms

Candidate Nomination Form

  • Form 4 contains a candidate’s written acceptance and requires the completion of an affidavit where the signature of the candidate must be witnessed by the Returning Officer or a Commissioner for Oaths.

 and

Candidate Information

Form 5 requires you to provide:

  • Your full name and address
  • Address of where your candidate records are maintained
  • Name(s) and address(es) of financial institutions where your campaign contributions will be deposited (if applicable)
  • Name(s) of signing authorities for each depository listed above (if applicable)

If there is any change in the above mentioned information, you must notify the Returning Officer in writing within 48 hour of such changes by submitting a completed information form. 

In accordance with section 147.3 of the Local Authorities Election Act you are required to open a campaign account at a financial institution in your name or your election campaign’s name for the purposes of the election campaign when you file your nomination papers or as soon as possible after the total amount of contributions you receive first exceeds $1000 in the aggregate. 

Legislation provides that a candidate may submit their papers at the local Election Office at any time during the nomination period. Completed papers can be submitted in the drop box located at the municipal office, by mail or courier however, it is recommended that these be delivered to the Returning Officer at the MD office in person. Incomplete papers will be returned. 

**Please note- Email and fax versions are not accepted.**

Anyone who wishes to submit nomination papers to the returning officer in person, can schedule an appointment by emailing lynda.gale@mdbighorn.ca.


Some important things you should consider before you file nomination papers.

Are you Qualified?

A person may be nominated as a candidate in the municipal election if, on Nomination Day, the person is:

  • must be 18 Years of age on nomination day (August 22, 2023)
  • must be a Canadian citizen, 
  • you must have been a resident of the local jurisdiction for the 6 consecutive months preceding nomination day. (since February 22, 2023 or earlier) **You must also have been a resident of the ward in which you intend to run for the same six-month period.** 
  • Not otherwise ineligible or disqualified. 

Are you eligible to be nominated?

You would NOT be eligible to become a candidate under any of the following circumstances:

  • If you are an auditor of the municipality
  • If you are a municipal employee, unless you take the entitled leave of absence
  • If your property taxes are more than $50 in arrears or you are in default, for more than 90 days, for any other debt in excess of $500 to the municipality.
  • If you have, within the previous 10 years, been convicted of a offense under the Local Authorities Election Act, the Election Act, the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act or the Canada Elections Act.

If you are a judge, member of parliament, senator, or member of the legislative assembly, you must resign that position before you take office as a member of council.

Sections 22 and 23 of the Local Authorities Election Act set out under what circumstances a person is not eligible for nomination. Anyone submitting a nomination is responsible for ensuring they are not in violation of any condition of eligibility.

Do you understand the position?

As a member of Council you will have the opportunity to significantly influence the future of your community.  Your power as a member of Council depends on your ability to persuade the other members of Council to adopt your view.  All Council decisions must be made at meetings, held in public, at which a quorum is present.

Do you have the time?

The demands on your time will be heavy. You will be elected for a four-year term of office and during that time you will be required to attend:

  • regular and special meetings of council
  • council committee meetings
  • meetings of other boards and agencies to which you are appointed as council’s representative
  • conferences, conventions, seminars, and workshops for training and discussion
  • social and other events promoting your municipality.

You will also need to spend time reading material and talking with residents, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and others.  This will all be part of the necessary preparation for meetings so that you can make informed decisions.  Being a member of Council is more than a part time job. Potential candidates for the Municipal District of Bighorn must be willing to expend the time and energy required to provide quality governance for our rate payers. Effective decisions involving budgets, policies, bylaws, and corporate operations can only be achieved with a full commitment to be engaged and willing to read, listen and understand the information required for sound decision making. 

For further information visit Municipal Affairs - Guide for Running for Municipal Office in Alberta