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Part of Municipal elections

Municipal elections – Overview

Election and post-election resources and election results.

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Municipal elections

Resources are currently being updated to reflect recent changes to the Municipal Government Act and the Local Authorities Election Act.

Next municipal election

The next municipal general election will be held on October 20, 2025.

General election results

Find 2021 municipal election results on the Open Government Portal.

Results for the 2021 senate nominee and referendum vote can be found on the Elections Alberta website.

General election resources

Nominations for the general election open January 1, 2025, and close at noon on September 22, 2025.

For summer villages, the nomination period occurs between June or July, with election day held 4 weeks after the nomination period closes. Check with your local summer village for specific dates.

Returning officers

If you are a returning officer or other municipal election official who will conduct a by-election or the upcoming 2025 general election, refer to the resources below.

Sections relating to the Senate election and referendum vote will not be applicable to municipal by-elections.

Returning officer manual

Prospective candidates

If you are intending to run for municipal office, A Candidate’s Guide: Running for Local Elected Office in Alberta offers information regarding eligibility to run, nominations, campaigning, collecting campaign contributions and incurring campaign-related expenses.

If you are intending to run for your local school board, find relevant information at School Board trustee elections information.

If you are a Government of Canada employee running as a candidate in a municipal election in Alberta, you should be aware of some obligations. Read I want to become a candidate for more information.

If you plan to place election signs on provincial highways, read the provincial guidelines for more information. Contact your municipality to inquire about any municipal bylaws that regulate the placement of campaign signage along roadways or on public property.

Notice of Intent and resources

  • Notice of Intent

    Individuals who intend to run as a candidate in their local jurisdiction must submit a written Notice of Intent to the returning officer in their local jurisdiction.

    Once a Notice of Intent form is accepted as complete by the local jurisdiction, an individual is allowed to be a candidate, accept contributions, or incur campaign expenses according to the rules set out in the Local Authorities Election Act and the Expense Limits regulation.

    Municipalities are responsible for ensuring their forms meet the minimum requirements of the legislation.

    The above sample form shows the minimum requirements required for the written notice, and municipalities may wish to adapt it as necessary for their local needs.

    The returning officer may want modify the form to collect information like:

    • the date of submission
    • the ward name (if applicable)
    • additional contact information, eligibility confirmation, gender or other demographics for statistical reporting
    • the preferred method of contact

    Municipalities may also wish to indicate any instructions for how, or where prospective candidates should submit the form.

  • Resources

    Videos

    Free webinars

    Alberta Municipalities and the Rural Municipalities of Alberta are hosting free webinars to help prospective candidates understand what it’s like to serve on a municipal council.

    During their interactive webinars, participants will learn about:

    • what decisions councils are responsible for
    • how municipal government differs from federal and provincial governments
    • the impact and rewards of serving one’s community
    • firsthand experiences from current municipal leaders

    There will also be a Q&A session where participants can ask questions and gain valuable insights into the experience of being a municipal elected official. Each webinar is tailored for participants living in a small village, town, county/municipal district, or city, but participants are welcome to attend any webinar that fits their schedule.

    To register, visit either:

    Additional resources

    Additional resources for prospective candidates may be found at:

Third party advertisers

A Provincial Registrar has been appointed for third party advertisers. Third parties planning to incur election advertising expenses or accept election advertising contributions of at least $1,000 in 10 or more local jurisdictions may apply to register with the Provincial Registrar. Email us the completed applications.

For more information on the provincial registration process:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 780-427-2225
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)

Post-election resources

Voter identification requirements

Section 53 of the Local Authorities Election Act outlines identification requirements for local elections.

A resident can vote if their name is on the Permanent Electors Register and they produce one piece of identification issued by a Canadian government, whether federal, provincial, or local, or an agency of that government, that contains a photograph of the person.

Or, a resident can vote if they fill out the prescribed Form 13 (or Form 13SV for Summer Villages) and produce one piece of identification issued by a Canadian government, whether federal, provincial, or local, or an agency of that government, that contains a photograph of the person.

Voters may also fill out the prescribed Form 13 (or Form 13SV for Summer Villages) and present one piece of identification authorized by the Chief Electoral Officer that establishes the person’s name and current address. 

Section 53(3.1) also states that a post office box number listed on government issued photo ID is acceptable for validation of a person’s residence.

For additional information on voting requirements, see the Local Authorities Election Act.

Legislation and regulations

Contact

Connect with Municipal Affairs:

Phone: 780-427-2225
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

For information related to official government documents, contact Alberta King’s Printer:

7th Floor, Park Plaza Building
10611 98 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta  T5K 2P7

Phone: 780-427-4952
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-452-0668

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