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Nomination Process

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If you wish to run in the 2021 Edmonton Election as a candidate for Mayor, City Councillor, or Trustee of the Edmonton School Division or the Edmonton Catholic Separate School Division you must register as a candidate by completing the nomination process.

Edmonton Elections recommends you review the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) to understand the full extent of your obligations.

Getting Ready for Nomination Period

The nomination period runs from January 4, 2021, to September 20, 2021. This is the time you have to complete the nomination process. You must follow the following steps to get ready:

1. Meet all the eligibility requirements

To register as a candidate in the 2021 Edmonton general election, you must be eligible to vote. This means you must be:

At least 18 years old
A Canadian citizen
A resident of Edmonton for the six consecutive months immediately before Nomination Day (September 20, 2021)
A resident of Edmonton on Election Day (October 18, 2021)

There may be other reasons an aspiring candidate is ineligible to register as a candidate. You can find more information in sections 21-24 of the Local Authorities Election Act.

If you wish to register as a school division trustee candidate, you are encouraged to review sections 4(4) and 74 of the Education Act.

If you are looking for more details, check out the Nomination Process Checklist.

2. Complete Form 4 and Form 5

Form 4: Nomination Paper and Candidate Acceptance
There are 4 types. Complete the appropriate form:

View Form 4: How to guide for more information.

Form 5: Candidate Information

The Candidate Information Form asks candidates to disclose campaign bank account information and information on where their records will be maintained.

View Form 5: How to Guide for more information.

Candidate and Official Agent Contact Information Form - Optional

The Candidate and Official Agent Contact Information Form asks candidates to list their official agent information and contact information they are comfortable sharing publicly.

3. Have your deposit ready

To register as a candidate, you must pay a deposit when filing nomination papers. This deposit can be paid in a variety of ways depending on how you are filing your nomination papers.

Candidates for mayor must pay a deposit of $500. Candidates for Councillor and School Board Trustee must pay a deposit of $100.

Filing Your Nomination Papers

Once you have your paperwork in order, you can file your nomination papers. These two steps finalize the nomination process.

4. File your nomination forms

In-Person

You may file your nomination papers in-person by requesting an appointment.

All appointments will take place at City Hall. If you choose this option, you must comply with all public health orders, mandatory restrictions, and City of Edmonton Bylaws, including the Mandatory Face Coverings Bylaw. Please note no guests will be able to accompany you.

During your appointment, you will be asked to pay your deposit via cash, certified cheque, money order, debit or credit.

Courier/Mail

Send your papers and deposit to:

Office of the City Clerk, City Hall
1 Sir Winston Churchill Square Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7

The deposit must be sent via certified cheque or money order payable to: The City of Edmonton. Please do not send cash or your credit card information.

Ensure the forms are fully completed before sending it. The process will be delayed if your form is incomplete or if errors are found. This may lead to Edmonton Elections having to send back the form to you via mail.

Courier and mail packages will be received on weekdays between 9am and 3pm.

5. Obtain official confirmation from Edmonton Elections

Edmonton Elections will email you to confirm you have been accepted as a candidate.

This process can take up to 2 business days if you have filed your nomination papers in person and up to 5 business days from the day of receipt if you have filed your nomination papers via mail.

What to Expect When you Register as a Candidate