Run for office in Vancouver

The election period begins on January 1, 2026, and ends on September 18, 2026, at midnight. During this period, anyone who intends to become a candidate must track and report all campaign expenses incurred.

Elections BC manages this process and all financial recording requirements. For further information, visit Elections BC External website, opens in new tab or phone 1-800-661-8683. 

The pre-campaign period begins on July 20, 2026, and ends on September 18, 2026. During this time, third-party election advertising rules come into force.

Find the election advertising rules in the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act External website, opens in new tab .

Nomination packages will be posted online and available for pick up at the Election Office starting July 20, 2026. The package includes a calendar of key dates and deadlines, forms, and a checklist to help you through the process.

Use the approved forms in the nomination package to provide:

• Signatures from at least 25 eligible nominators
• A completed Statement of Disclosure (lists your assets, debts, and sources of income, as required under BC's Financial Disclosure Act)

Nomination documents and disclosure statements are available for public inspection and posted online. Personal information is redacted under Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FIPPA).

Running as part of a party?

You can run as an independent or as a member of a political party. The political party must be registered with Elections BC External website, opens in new tab, and its authorized officer must sign the endorsement section of your nomination papers.

Book an appointment 

After your documents are ready, book an appointment with the Election Office by emailing [email protected].

We will provide ongoing support throughout your campaign, contact us if you have questions.

Need language support? Bring someone to interpret at your appointment.

Pay your refundable deposit

You will be required to provide a (refundable) $100 deposit when you file your nomination papers.

Want your contact information on our candidate webpage?

Provide your website, email, or social media links by completing our online form by September 11. You’ll find the form link in the nomination package.

Challenge period

From the time you submit your papers until 4pm on September 15, 2026, an elector, another candidate, or the Chief Election Officer may challenge your nomination in Provincial Court. The Court must hear the case within 72 hours.

Making changes

After filing, you can still make changes, such as adding a financial agent or official agent, until the nomination deadline on September 11, 2026.

Withdrawing

If you decide not to run, you have until September 18, 2026, to withdraw.

Begin campaigning between September 19 to October 17, 2026

You may request the voters list and voting place map from the Election Office during the nomination period to support your outreach.

Review campaigning rules

Financial agent

You may appoint someone (other than yourself) to manage contributions, expenses, and filings.

Official agent 

You may appoint an official agent to represent you throughout the election.

Notices served to your agent are considered served to you, and your agent can appoint scrutineers on your behalf.

Scrutineers 

Scrutineers observe voting and the ballot count to help ensure the process is fair.

You may have one scrutineer present per ballot box in use at a voting place.

When you can campaign

You can announce your intention to run at any time. Campaigning rules, including what counts as a campaign expense and when the campaign period begins, are governed by Elections BC. Refer to Elections BC's Local Elections guide External website, opens in new tab for details.

Where you can campaign

• Permitted on private property with permission, and in public spaces such as sidewalks, plazas, and parks (as long as you don't block access or disrupt others)
• Not permitted inside City facilities such as community centres, libraries, or civic buildings
• Not permitted within 100 metres of a voting place on voting days. This includes signs, flyers, buttons, and verbal campaigning.

Read the full policy on using City and Park Board facilities for campaigning PDF file (121 KB)

Election signs 

• Can go up starting 45 days before the municipal election
• Must be removed within 48 hours after voting ends
• Can cover up to 30% of a window, or be freestanding up to 3 square metres, without a permit

Signs on public property are regulated by Engineering Services. Review our Sign By-law

An elector organization or political party promotes a candidate or group of candidates.

Check Elections BC External website, opens in new tab for details on:

• Requirements for elector organizations
• Campaign contribution limits
• Organization financial disclosure statements

• Spending limits are set by Elections BC and vary each election. Refer to Elections BC's Local Elections guide External website, opens in new tab for details.
• Track all campaign contributions and expenses.
• After the election, submit your disclosure forms to Elections BC.
• Review Elections BC's public reports External website, opens in new tab from past elections to understand typical spending ranges.

Name on the ballot 

Your name appears on the ballot with your party affiliation (if applicable).

You may use your "usual name" if it differs from your legal name by entering it on your nomination papers. 

Important note Your name choice can be challenged in Provincial Court by an elector, another candidate, or the Chief Election Officer. 

Ballot order

Ballot order is randomized through a public draw on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 5pm.

A number will appear next to your name to help voters find you on the ballot.