Please choose between the following three options:
Skip to main menu Skip to site search Continue to current page menu and contentNew mandatory public health measures are in effect across Alberta to protect the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more at edmonton.ca/COVID-19.
Main page content begins here
| Campaign Period | January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 |
| Nomination Period | January 4, 2021 to September 20, 2021 |
| Special Ballot Application | Begins August 1, 2021 |
| Advance Voting Opportunities | TBD |
| Election Day | Monday, October 18, 2021 |
| Campaign Disclosure Statement Deadline | March 1, 2022 |
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.
There are four versions of the form:
All forms require you to obtain signatures from residents.
Candidate and Official Agent Contact Information Form
This form asks candidates to list their agent information and contact information they are comfortable sharing publicly.
The Candidate Information Form asks candidates to disclose campaign bank account information and information on where their records will be maintained.
The Campaign Disclosure Statement and Financial Statement Form requires candidates to disclose the total contributions they received before and during the campaign period.
If you wish to run for Mayor, City Councillor, Trustee for the Edmonton School Division or Trustee of the Edmonton Catholic Separate School Division, you must complete the nomination process. This means completing the required forms, collecting signatures from residents and paying a deposit. You can complete this process during the nomination period.
The period of time (January 1 – December 31 of an election year) in which candidates may raise funds for their election campaigns. Candidates may only raise up to $5,000 per year in total outside this period.
Special ballots are ballots that are cast by mail. Special (Mail in) ballot applications will become available for individuals who cannot attend an in-person voting opportunity. Electors must submit an application for a special ballot.
More information on the special ballot application process will be made available in 2021.
Electors can cast a ballot in the 2021 Edmonton General Election before Election Day at special voting stations. This is called an advance vote.
More information on advance voting locations and the advance voting period will be made available in 2021.
All candidates in the 2021 Edmonton General Election must report the total contributions they received and their campaign expenses by March 1, 2022. The form used to provide this information is called the Campaign Disclosure Statement.
The Municipal Government Act or MGA outlines high level duties of Councillors and the Mayor.
The role of School Division Trustee is described in the Education Act. More information can be found online at:
It is a candidate’s responsibility to ensure that they meet the requirements described in the Local Authorities Election Act, the MGA and on the Nomination Form.
By signing the form, the candidate provides a sworn declaration that affirms they meet the necessary requirements.
No, candidates for City Council do not need to reside in the ward they are representing. Candidates for school division trustee are also not required to be a resident of the ward in which they seek election.
An individual cannot run for Mayor and City Councillor in the same election.
Yes, aspiring candidates are welcome to start collecting signatures before the nomination period.
Please ensure that you are taking into account the changes to the ward boundaries for the City of Edmonton, Edmonton School Division and Edmonton Catholic Separate School Division. Visit edmonton.ca/elections for details.
Where possible, we recommend that aspiring candidates receive legal advice before filing nomination papers so that their responsibilities are fully understood. The Edmonton Elections team is here to provide information but we do not offer legal advice.
Edmonton Elections will review forms when they are submitted but it is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure nomination papers are completed accurately.
It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that residents providing signatures are eligible.
The candidate’s sworn declaration is their confirmation that the information on the nomination form meets the requirements of the Local Authorities Election Act or LAEA and the other criteria described on the nomination form.
Electronic signatures or signatures provided on behalf of a resident are not permitted. You must obtain physical signatures.
In addition to the completed nomination form, candidates must bring the correct deposit and a piece of government issued identification.
Edmonton Elections is working to develop a process that will allow candidates to file their nomination form safely and in compliance with the direction from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will likely be limits to the number of individuals who can accompany the candidate.
Only cash, certified cheques and money orders can be accepted as a deposit. Certified cheques and money orders should be made payable to the City of Edmonton.
Candidates who are elected or who receive votes totalling more than 50% of the number of votes cast for the elected candidate will receive their deposit back.
Candidates who withdraw their nomination during the nomination period; or receive votes totalling less than 50% of the number of votes cast for the elected candidate do not receive their deposit back.
For example, with a total of 400 votes cast:
Candidate 1 receives 200 votes - Candidate 1 is elected and receives their deposit back
Candidate 2 receives 101 votes - Candidate 2 receives their deposit back
Candidate 3 receives 99 votes - Candidate 3 does not receive their deposit back
There is nothing in the Local Authorities Election Act that prevents this.
Yes, you may withdraw at any point until 12pm, noon, on September 21, 2021, which is 24 hours after the conclusion of the nomination period. After that, you cannot withdraw and your name will appear on the ballot
The City of Edmonton ward boundaries have been reviewed by the City of Edmonton Ward Boundary Commission who recommended to City Council that changes be made.
Changes to ward boundaries must be made through bylaw and passed no later than December 31, 2020. Any changes will come into effect on Election Day this upcoming October 18, 2021.
At the December 7, 2020, City Council meeting, the amended Bylaw 19366 passed second and third reading. The ward boundary changes will come into effect for the 2021 Election.
Find out more information about the indigenous ward names and view the ward maps.
Individuals can receive contributions to support their campaigns in non-election years but those contributions cannot exceed $5,000 per year.
Only candidates who have had their nomination papers received by the municipality can raise funds and receive contributions during the campaign period.
As January 1, 2021 is a statutory holiday, the Interpretation Act allows municipalities to receive nomination forms starting on the next business day which is January 4, 2021.
Edmonton Elections strives to make information available to candidates in an accessible way. Information shared with aspiring candidates is reviewed for accuracy and readability before it is shared publicly.
The Local Authorities Elections Act permits the use of electronic tabulators in municipal elections in Alberta. These tabulators scan ballots and count votes at voting stations as they are cast by electors. Results are only made available after voting stations close.
16304 114 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5M 3R8
| Telephone | 780-496-8008 |
|---|---|
| Fax | 780-498-7058 |
| elections@edmonton.ca | |
| Website | https://www.edmonton.ca/election |
End of page content. Please choose between the following five options:
Back to main menu Back to current page menu and content View current page breadcrumb Back to site search Continue to page footer content