Community Elections 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some answers to frequently asked questions about community elections.
Please see categories below for faster navigation or scroll down to see all sections.
Category: |
Includes: | |
Regular election | ||
Qualifications, nominations | ||
Qualifications | ||
Voting, identification | ||
Advanced voting, voting by sealed envelope ballot | ||
Appointments, roles | ||
Counting votes, tie votes |
General Information:
1. When does the Northern Affairs Communities (NACs) regular election take place?
The regular election for NACs is held every two years on the fourth Wednesday in October. The next regular election will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Terms are staggered, so half of council is up this year and the remaining the next regular election year in 2028.
2. Who is the senior election official (SEO)?
The SEO is the person appointed by council to exercise general direction and supervision over the conduct of community elections. The SEO will be your primary contact person for any questions about community elections, such as voting place locations, alternate voting opportunities, nominations, questions about the voters list, etc. Your council office will have the SEO's contact information if you are unsure who the SEO is in your community.
3. What are the responsibilities of council in a community election?
In order to uphold the integrity of the election process, community councils are responsible only for certain key election decisions. These decisions include:
· appointing both a senior election official (SEO) and assistant SEO and deciding remuneration for election officials by a council bylaw
· budgeting for election expenses
4. Who is the principal electoral officer (PEO)?
The PEO, a Manitoba government employee, is appointed by the minister of Manitoba Municipal and Northern Relations to oversee the administrative conduct of the election process in the Northern Affairs Communities. The PEO is the primary contact person for the community election officials for any questions about the election process, interpretation of the governing election legislation, advice on dealing with unusual situations and ensuring compliance on the part of all election officials in carrying out their duties. The PEO provides election official training and resources (ex: Election Official’s Handbook, Running for Council guide) to the community election officials to ensure they are prepared to conduct the election. Prior to Election Day, the PEO will investigate any election complaints received during an election and may take any action necessary by written order to ensure the integrity of the election process.
PEO Contact Information:
Candidates
5. What is the time period for a leave of absence, if a council employee wants to run in the election?
19. Is the scrutineer able to wear or display anything that shows they represent a particular candidate?
1. What is the term of office for a member of council?
If elected as a member of a community council at a regular election, you will serve a four-year term. Officially, the term of office begins two weeks after Election Day or November 11, 2026 for this regular election year and will end November 6, 2030.
2. Do members of council receive payment for their service?
Members of council receive compensation in the form of a monthly honorarium for their work on council and a per diem for work conducted outside the community. The minister of Manitoba Municipal and Northern Relations sets the compensation rates to council members in the Council Compensation regulation for unincorporated communities. Incorporated communities set their compensation rates by a council bylaw. The Northern Affairs Act requires the community's annual financial statement to show the amount of compensation.
3. What are the qualifications to run for a position on a community council?
Qualifications to run for office in the Northern Affairs Communities is laid out in The Northern Affairs Act. You are strongly encouraged to speak with the senior election official in your community if you have any questions about your qualifications. You may run for council office if you are:
- a Canadian citizen
- at least 18 years of age on Election Day
- a voter of the community
- not disqualified from running under the act, or any other act (see below for examples of disqualifications)
You may not run for council office if you are:
- a judge of the Court of King's Bench or the Court of Appeal
- a provincial judge or justice of the peace
- a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, the Senate or House of Commons of Canada or of a band council
- an employee of the community, unless you have been granted a leave of absence
- are disqualified, for any of the following reasons:
- have committed an election offence and are barred from running in the community election
- is liable to the community under a judgement in an action under section 227 (unauthorized expenditures) of The Northern Affairs Act
- is convicted of an offence under The Northern Affairs Act or any other act and have not paid the fine imposed
- is convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment for five or more years or an offence under the Criminal Code (Canada) under any of the following sections: 122 (breach of trust by public officer), 123 (municipal corruption), 124 (selling or purchasing office) or 125 (influencing or negotiating appointments or dealings in office)
- cease to be qualified as a voter in the community
4. Can I run for office if I work for the community?
Yes, but only if you obtain a leave of absence. Under section 92 of The Municipal Act, any employee, except the community administrative officer, may apply for a leave of absence before the close of nominations in order to run in a community election. This is the only section of this act that is applicable to elections in the Northern Affairs Communities.
5. What is the time period for a leave of absence, if a council employee wants to run in the election?
Under section 92 of The Municipal Act, which is the only section in this act that is applicable to elections in the Northern Affairs communities, the time period starts on nomination day and ends no later than 30 days after the election results are officially declared. Council is obligated to grant the employee the leave of absence, and the employee is responsible to request the leave of absence up to or on the last day of nominations. If elected to council, the employee would need to resign from their employment with council.
6. Can I run for both the mayor and councillor office?
No, a person can only be nominated for one office at a time. When a candidate files their nomination papers with the senior election official they must state the office they are running for (ex: mayor or councillor).
7. Does a current council member who wishes to run for a different office in the regular election and whose term is not ending need to resign their position on council?
Yes, a current council member whose term is not ending this year and wishes to run for a different office must resign their office at least 28 days before Election Day – which for this election year is no later than September 30, 2026. For example, a current councillor with a term ending October 2028 who is interested in running for the mayor’s office with a term ending October 2030. This does not apply to current council members whose terms are ending this election year. If a by-election is being conducted in conjunction with the regular election due to a vacancy for a different term, than a current council member who wishes to run for the different term would need to resign at least 28 days before Election Day.
8. Can a person with a criminal record run for office?
Yes, as long as the person is not otherwise disqualified as outlined in The Northern Affairs Act. Prior convictions do not disqualify a person from running, it is only if a person was convicted during nomination period or as a sitting member of council.
9. When can I start campaigning?
You can start your campaign anytime after your nomination papers have been accepted by the senior election official.
You can pick up nomination papers anytime after the notice of nominations is posted in your community up until close of nomination day. The senior election official will have nomination papers available for persons who wish to run. Nomination papers consist of Form 7 – Candidate Nomination and Form 8 – Declaration of Candidate and are posted online in the Election Forms section under the Election Official’s Handbook.
11. How many people need to nominate me to run for office?
You require at least two signatures in support of your nomination. These voters must appear on the community's voters list to be considered eligible.
12. When do I have to file my nomination papers?
All candidates must file nomination papers, available from the senior election official (SEO), in order to run for election. While signatures on nomination papers may be collected before, nomination papers must be filed on the nomination day set by the SEO between the hours of 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The nomination period begins on the 28th day and ends 21 days before Election Day.by the SEO between the hours of 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The nomination period begins on the 28th day and ends 21 days before Election Day.
- September 30 to October 7, 2026 in all communities
If you are not available to submit your nomination papers in person (preferred method) on nomination day, you can make arrangements to submit your papers to the SEO by email, fax or an official agent. Nomination papers can only be accepted by the SEO on the date and times posted in the notice of nominations.
13. Can the public view my nomination papers?
Yes, once you file your nomination papers, they are kept in the possession of the senior election official (SEO). Interested members of the public may view them during the SEO's regular office hours.
14. What if I decide I don't want to run for office after I've filed my nomination?
If you file your nomination papers and then decide you do not want to run for office, you may withdraw your name under certain conditions. Your withdrawal will only be accepted up until 2 p.m. after nomination period closes, and only if enough candidates remain to fill the offices. You must sign your withdrawal form in the presence of a witness, and file it with the senior election official during regular office hours.
15. Can I have campaign signs at the voting place on Election Day?
There are strict rules regarding political activities at voting places. Any activity in contravention of the act may be considered an election offence and could have serious repercussions. No person may, within 50 meters of a voting place:
- distribute pamphlets, buttons or other items referring to the election or a candidate
- wear or display any item that refers to the election or a candidate
- post or display a sign or poster referring to the election or a candidate
If a candidate's sign is located within 50 meters of a voting place on Election Day, an election official is empowered by legislation to remove it or may order the candidate or official agent to remove it or obscure it immediately. A person that contravenes a provision of The Municipal Councils and School Boards Elections Act under Part 8 is guilty of an election offence. Part 9 of this act sets out how a person can challenge the election results. These are the only parts of this act that apply in an election for the Northern Affairs Communities.
16. I have been asked by a candidate to act as scrutineer. What does a scrutineer do?
The role of the scrutineer is to assist the candidate with tracking the progress of the vote on Election Day (and any alternate voting opportunities, such as advance or sealed envelope voting), to raise legitimate objections regarding a voter's qualifications and to observe the ballot count after the voting place closes. Ask the senior election official (SEO) to provide you with the information sheet for scrutineers.
The appointment of a scrutineer must be made in writing. The SEO has the form to be used for the appointment. The scrutineer must bring a copy of their appointment to present to the voting official while on duty. The scrutineer must keep a copy of their appointment at all times, so the scrutineer can identify themselves when asked.
17. How many scrutineers is a candidate allowed to appoint?
The legislation states that a maximum of two scrutineers (per candidate) are entitled to be present at a voting place at any one time. However, a candidate can appoint as many scrutineers as they would like.
18. Is a candidate entitled to act as a scrutineer?
A candidate is entitled to act as their own scrutineer. However, the rule still applies that there may be no more than two scrutineers at a voting place at one time per candidate.
19. Is the scrutineer able to wear or display anything that shows they represent a particular candidate?
On Election Day, scrutineers may wear a badge or ribbon indicating, by colour alone (not name), the candidate they represent. No other person may wear anything that identifies the person as a supporter of the candidate.
Voters
1. Who is eligible to vote in a community election?
Eligibility to vote in the community election are laid out in The Northern Affairs Act. To be eligible to vote a person must be:
- a Canadian citizen
- at least 18 years of age on Election Day
- a resident of the community for at least six months on Election Day
Persons with no fixed address may vote in a community election. If the person has no ordinary or fixed residence in the community, they are deemed to reside at the shelter, hostel or other similar institution that most frequently provides lodging, food or other social services.
2. I don't live in the community, but I own property – can I vote?
No, only persons who reside in the community are qualified to vote. Non-resident property owners do not meet the voter eligibility requirements as legislated and therefore are not entitled to be on the community voters list.
Yes, if a voter wishes to have their information obscured from the voters list, they may file an application for personal security protection with the senior election official (SEO) in person, by mail, email or fax. After receiving the application, the SEO must give the applicant a personal security certificate that includes an identification number to be used as a replacement for the person's name and address. A person who is given a personal security certificate may only vote by sealed envelope ballot.
Election Day
A voter may be asked to produce identification before being given a ballot by the voting official if there are questions about the voter's eligibility. All voters should bring identification with them to the voting place or when requesting a sealed envelope ballot in person. Even voters who request a sealed envelope ballot in writing must submit photocopies of their identification when applying to vote. Acceptable identification includes a government issued official document that contains the voter's name, address and photograph or at least two other documents that provide evidence satisfactory to the election official.
2. Do I get time off work to vote in a community election?
No, voting places are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. to provide enough time to vote. In addition, the law requires communities to provide at least one advance voting, as well as sealed envelope voting. There are plenty of additional opportunities, so persons who are unable to vote on Election Day are still able to vote.
3. If I am not on the voters list, can I still vote?
Yes, any qualified voter who is not on the voters list can vote. However, you will be asked to establish your identity by providing photo identification and take an oath. Ensure you bring acceptable identification with you to the voting place. A person who refuses to establish their identity and take an oath at a voting place will not be provided with a ballot.
4. Am I allowed to look at the voters list?
Due to restrictions on the use of the voters list, a voter is only entitled to view their own personal information on the voters list to determine whether it is correct. Voters may contact the senior election official to find out a good time to view their information, if interested. Only candidates, their official agents and election officials are entitled to view the full voters list, and the information on the voters list may be used for election purposes only. To use the voters list for any other purpose would be considered an election offence.
5. How will I know where and when to vote?
Your senior election official (SEO) is required to give notice of the locations of voting places by posting a public notice in three places within your community that is accessible to the public. The three places must include the community office, the place of the regular meetings of council if other than the community office and at least two other locations in the community designated by the SEO. The SEO will also mail or distribute a copy of the notice to each household in the community. Keep an eye out for this notice or phone your SEO or local council office.
6. If a voter accidentally spoils their ballot, can they request a replacement ballot?
Yes, if a voter accidentally spoils their ballot, it can be returned to the voting official and the person will be given another ballot. The returned ballot is immediately marked "spoiled" and is placed in an envelope for spoiled ballots.
7. Can I take someone into the voting compartment with me?
Yes, a voter with a physical disability or who has difficulty reading may ask the voting official to allow another person to help with marking their ballot. The "friend of the voter" must be at least 18 years of age, must not have assisted more than one other person and must take an oath that they will preserve the secrecy of the vote. In addition, any election official may assist a voter that requires help marking their ballot.
Except for an election official, who may assist as many voters as required, a person may assist no more than two voters in marking their ballot.
9. I have difficulty understanding the voting official because I am not fluent in the language being spoken. How can I be assisted in marking my ballot?
The senior election official (SEO) may appoint an interpreter to assist at voting places. If the SEO knows there are a large number of voters who speak a language other than the one being used at the voting place, the SEO may decide to appoint an interpreter. If no interpreter is available, the voter may ask for the assistance of an election official when voting.
10. I have power of attorney on behalf of a resident. Can I vote on their behalf?
No, a person cannot vote on another person’s behalf, even if a person has power of attorney over another person’s legal and financial affairs. However, there are election rules in place intended to support people that may require additional assistance or supports to vote and ensure people with disabilities can meaningfully participate in the election process.
If a voter has a physical disability or difficulty reading, they may request the assistance of another person in marking their ballot in the voting compartment. If a voter is not able to make it to a voting place because of a disability, they have the option to vote by sealed envelope ballot prior to Election Day. If the voter is a patient or resident of a health care facility (ex: nursing home) in the community, a mobile voting station may be established in the health care facility to provide patients or residents with the opportunity to vote. The SEO can provide you with more information about voting options in your community.
Alternate Voting Opportunities
The senior election official (SEO) is required to hold at least one advance voting between the hours of 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and can choose to offer additional advance voting opportunities. The SEO will set a date for advance voting, which can be anywhere between the day when ballots are printed up until 48 hours before Election Day. The SEO must give public notice of the date and location, so voters are informed of the advance voting opportunity. Contact your SEO or local council office for more information.
2. Can I vote by mail?
Yes, interested voters should contact the senior election official (SEO) immediately after the notice of election has been posted to obtain an application form to vote by sealed envelope ballot. Voters may apply to the SEO to vote by sealed envelope either in person, by mail, email or fax. Remember to apply early enough, so you can return the marked ballot to the SEO by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
If applying in person, be sure to bring appropriate identification with you. Ballots should be ready to pick up in person 21 days before Election Day.
If applying by mail, email or fax, you will be required to submit a photocopy of identification with the application. Voters may apply up to 21 days before Election Day and a sealed envelope ballot package will be sent to the voter when ballots are ready. If you apply more than 10 days before Election Day, the sealed envelope ballot package will be mailed to you. If less than 10 days remain between the day you apply and Election Day, the SEO will discuss with you the best delivery method to ensure the ballot reaches you in time to return it by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
3. Can I vote through the Internet?
No, Internet voting is not available in Manitoba nor would it meet the legislated requirement for preserving the secrecy of the vote.
4. Can you hold an advance voting on a Saturday?
Yes, if it falls within the timeframe permitted in the elections regulation for holding an advance voting.
Election Officials
No, council members (mayor or councillor) cannot be appointed as election officials. An existing council member who wishes to act as an election official would need to resign in writing from their office first. Same goes for an appointed election official who wishes to run for office. They would need to resign their position as an election official first if they are otherwise qualified to run for office.
2. Must the appointment of election officials be made annually?
No, the appointment of the senior election official (SEO) and assistant SEO is in place for life or until such time as the person resigns, dies or council appoints their successor. Other election officials (ex: voting officials) appointed by the SEO, however are made at the discretion of the SEO. The SEO will likely make additional appointments in an election year and the same election officials may not be available during each election. Where the SEO is absent or unable to act or the office is vacant, the assistant SEO may act in their place. When doing so, the assistant has all the powers of the SEO.
All election officials must take an oath and remain unbiased and non-partisan in conducting community elections and therefore this would not disqualify an election official from continuing in their role.
4. What can be done if one of the appointed election officials becomes ill and cannot complete their duties?
The senior election official (SEO) should have a list of alternate election officials who could be called in and appointed on short notice. Any appointed election official must take the required oath before commencing their duties. If both the appointed SEO and assistant SEO are vacant and there is insufficient time before the election for council to make the appointments by bylaw, the principal electoral officer can direct appoint election officials on council’s behalf.
Yes, for the purpose of an election only, community election officials have the power to administer oaths that are required to be taken under the elections regulation. The Manitoba Evidence Act under sections 61 to 65 lays out the process for administering an oath for those authorized to administer oaths.
6. What can be done to expedite the printing of ballots for the community election?
One of the duties of the senior election official (SEO) is to ensure the ballots are printed and ready in time for Election Day, but also for alternate voting opportunities. Voters may apply in person to vote by sealed envelope ballot 21 days before Election Day, so the SEO should ensure ballots are ready the day after the notice of election is posted for preparing sealed envelope voting packages.
The SEO must list the candidates' names on the ballots in alphabetical order and advise candidates when they file their nomination papers that how their name appears on the nomination is how it will appear on the ballot.
7. How can the election officials keep order in the voting place and attend to their duties if someone creates a disturbance at the voting place?
An election official may require a peace officer or other person to assist in maintaining peace and order at a voting place (ex: RCMP member, public safety officer, etc.).
8. What should be considered when selecting and setting up a voting place?
A voting place must be in a convenient location for the majority of voters served by it. The senior election official must also take all necessary steps to ensure the voting place is accessible to persons with disabilities. Many community sites will serve well as voting places, such as community halls, recreation centres and and/or schools. Some considerations for setting up a voting place include:
· a spacious area that ensures privacy of voting – don't place voting compartments in areas that can be observed through windows
· washroom facilities close at hand
· a separate room for election staff for breaks, preferably a room with phone access
· ability to place voting compartments in locations that allow ease of movement for voters to and from the voting place – this will help to avoid tight line-ups of voters
9. Can a voting place be established in the basement of a community hall or in the lounge area at the Legion?
As far as practicable, the voting place must be accessible to all voters, including wheelchair users, so a basement would not be a good location. A voting place must also not be in any premise licensed under The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act, including the lounge area at the Legion.
10. According to the Community Councils Election regulation, the voting place must be open at 8 a.m. on Election Day and close at 8 p.m. If there is a power outage or a snowstorm which makes it difficult or impossible to keep the voting place open, how can we meet the legislated timeframe?
If an emergency situation arises during voting hours, the regulation allows the voting to be declared interrupted and continued when circumstances allow. If the voting is interrupted at any time during Election Day, it is to resume for a period equal to the period of the interruption. This period must be within seven days and between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The only type of signs allowed to be posted within 50 meters of the voting place are signs posted by election officials, which could include directions for voters on where to proceed for marking their ballots or signs directing people to parking areas. Unauthorized signs will be removed. Candidates should be advised of the requirements prior to Election Day and requested to comply.
12. Who can be present at the voting place on Election Day?
The only persons that can be present at the voting place are:
- the election officials appointed for that voting place
- a voter, for the purpose of voting
- an interpreter, if required
- a candidate
- not more than two scrutineers appointed by each candidate (candidates can appoint themselves or their official agent as a scrutineer)
- any other person allowed to be present by the senior election official, ex: peace officer
Post-Election Results
5. If after a regular election, a council member position is not filled can nominations be reopened?
1. Who can be present when ballots are being counted?
The only persons that can be present during the count are:
- the voting officials and any other election official appointed for that voting place
- the candidates
- no more than two scrutineers per candidate
- any other person the senior election official allows to be present
2. When will the election results be available?
The methods of handling and announcing the results of the election will vary, depending on the community. When the voting place closes at 8 p.m. on Election Day, all election ballots (including advanced, sealed envelope and mobile) must be counted in the presence of a voting official, another election official, the candidate and/or scrutineers. After the count is complete, the senior election official will announce the official results to those present and post in the community the next day.
3. What happens if there is a tie vote?
If a tie for office is confirmed, and no objection was raised about any ballot, the senior election official (SEO) must declare the office vacant and immediately call a by-election. This means that a new nomination day will be set and any interested candidates will be required to file nomination papers including those candidates that ran in the regular election if they wish to run again. If a tie for office is confirmed and there was an objection raised about any ballot, the SEO must apply in writing to the principal electoral officer (PEO) for a recount. The PEO will then set a date for the recount to occur within two weeks of receipt of the application for a recount. The PEO conducts the count in the same manner as the SEO. When the recount is completed, the PEO will announce the results.
4. What if I have concerns about the election count?
Any candidate or voter may apply in writing to the principal electoral officer for a recount within 14 days of the election if it is believed that the ballots were not correctly accepted, rejected or discarded by the voting official during the count, or if the voter believes the statement of the vote is incorrect or the official results are inaccurate.
5. If after a regular election, a council member position is not filled can nominations be reopened?
Council under these circumstances may appoint someone into the vacancy who was eligible to be nominated for the position at the election. If the position of mayor is not filled after a regular election, then council can appoint one of their number as mayor and then direct the senior election official to conduct a by-election to fill the vacant councillor position.
6. What happens to election documents after the election?
Documents and materials related to the election in the possession of the senior election official (SEO) – such as nomination papers, the statement of the vote or the official results – are available for public inspection up to six months after the election. However, this does not include ballots or personal security certificates. These are kept confidential to uphold secrecy requirements under the legislation.
After the six-month period, the SEO is required to destroy the ballots in the presence of two witnesses and may destroy any other documents and materials related to the election.
7. If a council member moves out of the community during their term of office, do they need to resign their position on council?
Yes, as they would no longer be a resident of the community and therefore no longer qualify as a voter which would disqualify them from remaining on council.