Information for Municipal Candidates
Are you ready to make a difference in your community?
Municipal election webinars
presented by Alberta Municipalities and Rural Municipalities of Alberta
If you're considering running for local council in a mid-to-large-size Alberta municipality, Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) and Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) are hosting a webinar to help you prepare for this year’s election. Any Albertan is welcome to attend this webinar to learn about the experience of serving on Council.
You'll learn about the roles and responsibilities of local office, how it compares to federal and provincial governments, and the incredible rewards that come with serving your community. You'll also get an inside look at how councils are structured, what’s expected of council members, and the unique impact you can have in a mid-to-large-size Alberta municipality.
April 30, 2025 7:30pm to 8:30pm
May 8, 2025 12:00pm to 1:00pm
June 4, 2025 7:30pm to 8:30pm
June 19, 2025 12:00pm to 1:00pm
July 15, 2025 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Nomination packages
All candidates must submit their Notice of Intent and Nomination Forms with the City Clerk's office by the end of the Nomination Period at 12:00 p.m. on September 22.
Nomination Package - Mayor Nomination Package - Council
Mayor and Councillor Information Package
Eligibility
To become a municipal candidate you must be:
- at least 18 years of age on nomination day, September 22, 2025
- a Canadian citizen,
- a resident of the local jurisdiction for the 6 consecutive months preceding nomination day, which is September 22, 2025 s.21 Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA).
You can only run for one office (i.e. Mayor or Councillor, not both) s.23 LAEA. See s. 22 LAEA for other circumstances that may pertain to your qualification as a municipal candidate.
You are not eligible to become a candidate in any election under any of the following circumstances (s.22 LAEA):
- if you are the auditor of the local jurisdiction or if you are a municipal or school board employee, unless you take the entitled leave of absence;
- if your property taxes are more than $50 in arrears or you are in default, for any other debt equal or in excess of $500 to the municipality, for more than 90 days;
- if you have in the previous 10 years, been convicted of an offense under the Local Authorities Election Act, the Election Act, the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act or the Canada Elections Act (Canada).
There may be other circumstances that prevent you from running for office. Please refer to the full text of s. 22 LAEA.
| Determining residency |
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If you own more than one residence, you must choose ONE as your official place of residence (Local Authorities Election Act, section 48). Your place of residence should be determined by the following criteria in order of priority: (a) the address shown on the person’s driver’s license or motor vehicle operator’s license issued by or on behalf of the Government of Alberta or an identification card issued by or on behalf of the Government of Alberta;
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| Federal employees |
| Before a federal public servant employee can seek nomination as a candidate in a municipal election he/she must request and obtain permission from the Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC) to do so. For further information please contact the PSC directly or refer to the Public Service Employment Act. |
| Municipal employees |
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A person who is an employee of a municipality and who wishes to be nominated as a candidate for an election to be held for that respective municipality is entitled to take a leave of absence without pay. An employee may notify the municipality on or after January 1, 2025 that they are taking a leave of absence without pay. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure they meet the requirements of eligibility, and it is an offence to make a false statement on your nomination form. After noon on nomination day, anyone can view your form at the City Clerk department. |
Key Resources
Medicine Hat Municipal operations
In order for municipal candidates to have equal opportunity to information, the City provides direct access to information through our website, rather than through City staff. The key resources page links to a variety of resources that can help candidates learn more about City of Medicine Hat operations; from long-term strategic planning resources, to recent updates on projects and initiatives.
Key Resources 2025 Committee and Council Meeting Calendar
Running for public office
Alberta Municipalities has created a guide for understanding what to expect when running for municipal office.
Understanding Economic Development
Economic Developers Alberta offers an online course: Economic Development for Elected Officials. This "30,000 foot view" of economic development explores theory, fundamental economic development applications, and examples of best practices.
Campaign Management
It is each candidate's responsibility to familiarize themselves and follow the campaign financing rules: s.147.1 of the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA).
The campaign period (the time in which you can accept contributions and incur campaign expenses) is January 1 to December 31, 2025. You must file your nomination papers before you accept contributions or incur expenses during this period.