Morinville Elections

The Morinville Candidate Handbook is a guideline for any person running for municipal council.  

The Province of Alberta provides election resources and information for candidates, including a Guide - Running for Municipal Office in Alberta (2021 guide, will update when made available) and Video resources for prospective candidates.

The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 introduced changes to two key pieces of municipal legislation: the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) and the Municipal Government Act (MGA). These amendments came into effect on October 31, 2024, and will apply to the 2025 municipal election.

• The LAEA provides the framework for conducting elections in Alberta municipalities, school divisions, irrigation districts, and Métis Settlements.
• The MGA governs the roles and responsibilities of local elected officials once they are on council, as well as the administration and operation of municipal authorities in Alberta.

All candidates are encouraged to develop a working understanding of the Local Authorities Election Act, as amended.

It is recommended that candidates seek legal advice, where possible, regarding their obligations.

Alberta Municipalities and Rural Municipalities of Alberta have partnered on an awareness campaign for prospective candidates for the upcoming general election.

• Alberta Municipalities – Running for municipal office resources
• Rural Municipalities of Alberta – Running for municipal office resources 

For school trustee information, visit the Greater St Albert Catholic Schools website or Sturgeon School Division website. 

Candidates will be listed below when a Notice of Intent to Run or a Nomination Filing is received.

Please make a note: Any person wanting to examine the filed  nomination forms may contact the Returning Officer at elections@morinville.ca.

Am I eligible to run for Mayor or Councillor?

Anyone considering running for office should confirm their eligibility as a first step. To be eligible, a prospective candidate must be:

• • At least 18 years of age on nomination day (September 22, 2025);
  • A Canadian Citizen;
  • A resident of Morinville for the six consecutive months immediately prior to nomination day;
  • A resident of Morinville on Election Day (October 20, 2025)
  • Not otherwise ineligible or disqualified under sections 22, 23, and 23.1 of the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA)

What is the "Register of Candidates"?

The "Register of Candidates" is a record of all candidates who have submitted a Notice of Intent to Morinville Elections, indicating they plan to seek nomination for the upcoming general election.

Once a prospective candidate’s Notice of Intent submission is complete, they can accept campaign contributions and incur campaign expenses.

Is submitting a "Notice of Intent" the same as submitting the "Nomination Package"

No. Submitting a Notice of Intent is just one step in the process and does not mean you are officially nominated or will appear on the ballot.

The Notice of Intent allows you to be added to the "Register of Candidates", enabling you to accept campaign contributions and incur expenses. To officially become a nominated candidate and appear on the ballot, you must complete the Nomination Package during the Nomination Period (January 2 to September 22, 2025). If you have already submitted a Notice of Intent, some information will be pre-filled in the Nomination Package, allowing you to skip pages 4–5.

Can I withdraw my candidacy after submitting my Nomination Package?

Yes, candidates can withdraw their nomination up to 24 hours after Nomination Day (September 22, 2025), provided there are enough candidates remaining to fill the positions.

Do I need to pay a deposit to submit my Nomination Package?

Yes, a $100 nomination deposit is required when submitting your Nomination Package. The deposit must be paid at Morinville Civic Plaza.

The deposit is refundable if the candidate meets the criteria outlined in the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA), such as:

• • Receiving at least half the votes of the candidate elected with the fewest votes.
  • Complying with all financial disclosure and filing requirements.

Further details will be provided in the Candidate Guide.

Do my nomination forms need to be commissioned or signed by the Returning Officer?

Yes, nomination forms must be commissioned before submission. Candidates can have their forms commissioned by a Commissioner for Oaths or the Returning Officer.

If you choose to have the Returning Officer commission your forms, this service is available at Morinville Civic Plaza during regular business hours by appointment only. Ensure your forms are completed and bring valid government-issued ID if required.

To book an appointment, email elections@morinville.ca.