Election season is almost upon us, with voters heading to the polls Oct. 20 to decide who will sit on their municipal councils and school boards for the next four years.
The criteria to register, and the registration process, will be different for potential candidates this year thanks to changes made by the UCP government earlier this year.
The biggest change candidates will notice is the introduction of the new “Notice of Intent to Run,” which is required before money can be spent on a campaign. The notice doesn’t replace the formal nomination process, and includes the address, names of signing authorities, and legal information for the prospective candidate.
Outside of the notice of intent, the nomination process is mostly the same for councillors. In order to run, you must be at least 18 years old as of Sept. 22, 2025, you must be a Canadian citizen who has lived in the electoral district for at least six consecutive months before Sept. 22, and you must be eligible to vote and living in the district on election day.
Anyone wishing to run in the election has until Sept. 22 to file the appropriate paperwork with their municipality, which includes a $100 deposit, the candidate’s financial information, and a disclosure statement.
Voting Changes
In order to vote on Oct. 20, you must be a Canadian citizen of at least 18 years of age. You must be a resident of Alberta, with your primary residence located in the municipality you are casting a vote for on election day.
Voter ID requirements changed this year after the UCP passed Bill 54. Voters must bring identification, including a government issued photo ID, a utility bill, bank statement, or assortment of other official documents. To see the full list of accepted forms of identification, visit the website of your respected municipality.
If identification lists a post office box as a residence, it may still be accepted if it reasonably confirms residency in the voting area.
