Candidates for Councillor

Candidates for Councillor

The following is a summary of information and considerations that all potential candidates for Councillor should be aware of before seeking election.

Eligibility

Persons eligible to be a candidate for Councillor must meet all of the following criteria:

  • a Canadian citizen;
  • 18 years old or older on by-election day, October 25, 2025;
  • a resident of Manitoba;
  • a voter; and
  • not be disqualified by law.

Becoming a candidate for Councillor involves two important steps:

  1. Registration Process; and
  2. Nomination Process

Registration process

Candidates for Councillor must register with the Senior Election Official before soliciting donations or incurring any campaign expenditures.

Through this process, a candidate becomes authorized to commence an election campaign. The candidate must identify the account utilized for all funds, an official agent and their auditor. Once registered, the candidate will receive nomination papers.

Candidates must complete a registration form and all applicable consent forms. Candidates must submit these, in-person, to the Senior Election Official.

Resources:

Nomination process

Nomination papers

Candidates seeking election for Councillor must submit nomination papers which provide evidence of support from eligible voters.

Before a candidate is permitted to file nomination papers, they must have already filed their registration form. Nomination papers are provided to prospective candidates at the time of registration.

Nomination papers may be obtained  in person from the City Clerk’s Department, Main Floor, Susan A. Thompson, 510 Main Street, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Nomination Papers for the Office of Councillor must have a minimum of 25 signatures of voters whose names appear on the voters list for the council ward in which they are seeking election. Candidates must use the voters list provided to confirm that they have acquired the signatures of 25 eligible voters.

Filing nomination papers

All nomination papers must be filed in-person with the Senior Election Official during the nomination period which begins on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m., Friday, September 19, 2025.

In person appointments are required and must be made in advance. Email elections@winnipeg.ca to book an appointment.

All nomination papers will be available for public inspection. A list of nominated candidates will be available on this website.

The deadline to file nomination papers is 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 19, 2025.

Campaign Period

The campaign period is the time during which a registered candidate, or any person acting on their behalf, can accept contributions or incur campaign expenses.

The campaign period commences upon registration and ends 90 days after by-election day. It is only during this period that candidates can solicit contributions and expend funds for the purposes of election.

The Campaign Expenses and Contributions Guide outlines the regulations for campaign financing and the requirement to file an audited financial statement.

Campaign Expenses and Contributions

The Campaign Expenses and Contributions By-law regulates campaign expenses and contributions to candidates, and includes limits on contribution amounts received and expenses incurred.

Audited Financial Statements

All registered candidates must file an audited financial statement with the Campaign Expenses and Contributions Officer. Please refer to the Campaign Expenses and Contributions Guide for additional information on this matter.

  • Form 4

Rebate of Election Contributions

Individuals making contributions to a registered candidate are able to apply for a rebate in accordance with the Rebate of Election Contributions By-law. The Campaign Expenses and Contributions Guide explains this in further detail.

It is recommended that individuals interested in becoming a candidate for Councillor read the following guides for detailed information:

  • Candidate’s Guide
  • Campaign Expenses and Contributions Guide

Resources

Legislation

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