Candidate Information

Candidate Information

Interested in Running for Local Office?


Elections for the offices of Mayor, Councillor, and School Trustee are for four year terms. To be eligible to run for local government office in a general local election or a by-election, a person must have been a resident of B.C. at least six months immediately before filing their nomination documents. They do not have to live or own property in the area where they are running for office.

In addition, a person must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older on General Voting Day;
  • Be a Canadian citizen;
  • Have been a resident of British Columbia at least six months immediately prior to the date of nomination; and
  • Not be disqualified by the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election in B.C. or from being nominated for, being elected to or holding office, or be otherwise disqualified by law.
  • At least two qualified City of North Vancouver electors (whose names must be on Elections BC’s list of electors) must nominate you in accordance with the Local Government Act.

Please note that:

  • If you currently work for the City of North Vancouver or School District #44, you must take a leave of absence before being nominated.
  • Federal Government employees must apply to the Public Service Commission for permission to run in the election.

We are working to prepare more information for candidates and the nomination packages. This information will be available online in the coming weeks.


Provincial Information on Running for Office

The Province of BC has made the following resources available to help inform and guide individuals who are considering running for local office:


Campaign Financing

Candidates have expense limits that apply during the campaign period. All candidates are required to submit their financial disclosure documents to Elections BC for verification and publication, in compliance with the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act.

Candidates' financial disclosure statements for the previous two elections are listed on the Elections BC Financial Reports and Political Contributions System page.

Role of Elected Officials

Mayor

  • The Mayor is the head of the City council and provides leadership to the community and the organization. The Mayor represents the City, chairs council meetings, and works with council and staff to set the community’s strategic direction. The Mayor also acts as the primary spokesperson for the City. The Mayor has one vote on council, the same as each councillor.

Councillors

  • Councillors are elected to represent the community and make decisions about municipal services, bylaws, budgets, and long term planning. Together with the Mayor, councillors form the municipal council, which governs the City and sets policies that guide how services are delivered. Councillors participate in council meetings, serve on committees, and work with residents, staff, and community partners to address local issues and opportunities

School Trustees

  • The Board of Education are collectively responsible for making the major policy decisions governing all aspects of education within the school district as mandated in the School Act. The Board is composed of seven elected trustees. The electors of the City of North Vancouver elect three trustees and the District of North Vancouver elect four trustees to the Board of Education.

Key Dates for Candidates

  • March 10, 2026: Candidate residency deadline
  • August 4, 2026: Start of period for notice of nominations
  • September 1, 2026: Start of nomination period 
  • September 11, 2026: End of nomination period; candidate declared
  • September 19, 2016: Start of campaign period
  • September 21, 2026: Declaration of election by voting or acclamation
  • October 7 to 15, 2026: Advance Voting
  • October 17, 2026: General Voting Day
  • October 17, 2026: Announcement of Preliminary Election Results
  • October 21, 2026: Last Day for Declaration of Official Election Results by Voting
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