Get started as a candidate

Resources

• Check your eligibility to run for office

  To be eligible to run as a candidate, at the time of nomination a person must meet the following criteria. 

  To run for local government office, you must:

  • be a Canadian citizen,
  • be 18 years of age or older on General Election Day,
  • have lived in B.C. for at least six months before filing nomination documents, and
  • not be disqualified under the Local Government Act, or any other enactment in B.C. from being nominated for, elected to, or holding the office or be otherwise disqualified by law.

  You do not have to live in the jurisdiction for which you are running for office.

• Explore the role of elected officials

  Thinking of running for mayor or councillor? For an overview of what to expect before, during and after the election, check out the video series provided by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

  Municipal election candidates must follow the Local Government Act and the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, rules designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and public trust in the election process.

  To check the latest candidate expense limits, visit Elections BC. 

• Candidate information package

  Candidate information packages are now available
  Nomination packages can be downloaded using the links below or picked up in-person at City Hall, 3400 30th Street, during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) beginning July 20, 2026.
  - Candidate Nomination Package
  - Candidate Information Package

  The Nomination Period starts at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 1, 2026 and ends at 4:00 p.m., Friday, September 11, 2026. 

  Nomination documents will be received and reviewed by the Chief Election Officer, or their designate, during the nomination period. Candidates are encouraged to schedule an appointment to submit their nomination documents. Please ensure you allow adequate time for the review, as corrections or additional information may be required before your nomination documents can be accepted. Contact the Chief Election Officer at 250-550-3536 or email elections@vernon.ca to book your appointment.

  Each Candidate Information package includes:

  • Nomination Documents,
  • Candidate Information Release Authorization (CivicInfo BC),
  • Qualifications for Office
  • Key Dates 
  • Resource Links, and
  • Signage Information