2025 Municipal Election

Section 53 of the Local Authorities Election Act outlines identification requirements for local elections. In the event of inconsistencies between the information below and the Act, the Act will prevail.

There are 2 scenarios that will determine what ID you need in order to vote:

1. Registered voters are required to show 1 piece of government-issued ID containing, at minimum, the voter's photograph and name.
2. Non-Registered voters are required to validate their ID by providing 1 of the following:
   • 1 piece of government-issued identification containing the voter's photograph, name and current address; or
   • 1 piece of identification containing the voter's name and current address. Visit Elections Alberta for types of identification accepted for this purpose. Keep in mind that other sections of the Elections Alberta page DO NOT APPLY to municipal elections.
   • Those unable to produce identification set out above may have a registered voter vouch for them.

Section 53(3.1) also states that a post office box number listed on government issued photo identification is acceptable for validation of a person’s residence. For additional information on voting requirements, see the Local Authorities Election Act.

Visit https://www.voterlink.ab.ca/ to register to vote and save time at the voting station.

New for 2025:
The province has introduced a significant change to the rules surrounding vouching. An individual vouching is now only allowed to validate another person’s address and not their identity. Due to this change, ALL VOTERS REQUIRE VALID IDENTIFICATION, otherwise it is not possible for a person to vote. LAEA section 53(8)

If you are a non-registered voter unable to produce identification with your current address, you may have a registered voter vouch for you. 

An individual can have another voter vouch for them if:

• The individual requesting shows valid identification LAEA section 53(3). 
• The individual requesting submits a statement by filling out a form provided by the Election Officer at a Voting Station LAEA section 53(1)(b)(i). 
• The individual requesting is accompanied by another voter who can validate their current address LAEA section 53(4), (7).  
  • The voter who is validating an address needs to be registered and listed on the Permanent Electors Register (i.e: registered to vote) LAEA section 53(6)(c). 
  • The voter who is validating may vouch for more than one person ONLY if every person they vouch for shares the same current address LAEA section 53(6)(a), (b). 
  • A scrutineer shall not vouch for any person  LAEA section 53(5). 

Review section 22(1) of the Local Authorities Election Act to determine if you are eligible

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 old on Nomination Day (September 22, 2025)
• A Canadian citizen
• A resident of Bon Accord for the 6 consecutive months immediately before Nomination Day (September 22, 2025).
• A resident of Bon Accord on Election Day (October 20, 2025)

It is the candidate’s responsibility to confirm eligibility before engaging in the nomination process.

All forms are available for download on the Municipal Affairs website: https://www.alberta.ca/municipal-election-forms

The forms required to be nominated as a candidate are as follows:

• Form 29 – Notice of Intent
• Form 4 – Nomination Paper and Candidate’s Acceptance
• Form 5 – Candidate Information
• Form 26 – Campaign Disclosure Statement and Financial Statement
  •  You will need to submit this form by March 1, 2026 (after the election) to the Town office – otherwise there is a legislated penalty imposed and administration may be required to publicly report the delay to Council. For more information, please consult the Returning Officer or the Local Authorities Election Act. 

Additional Forms for Scrutineer, Official Agent Or Campaign Workers:

• Form 11 – Statement of Scrutineer or Official Agent
• Form 12 – Campaign Worker Proof of Identification

Other forms may be required. Candidates are encouraged to review the Local Authorities Election Act and its Local Authorities Election Act Forms Regulation for full details.

When can I submit my Notice of Intent, and why is it required?

You can submit your Notice of Intent from October 31, 2024 until Nomination Day September 22, 2025 at noon. The Notice of Intent is a new requirement under the Local Authorities Election Act. In submitting a Notice of Intent, the prospective candidate may collect campaign contributions. The Notice of Intent is required whether you collect campaign contributions or not.

How do I submit my Notice of Intent?

Complete the prescribed form (Form 29) and remit to the Town’s Returning Officer at 5025 50th Avenue or email to legislativeservices@bonaccord.ca. You do NOT need to use this exact form as long as all criteria are submitted. For details see Local Authorities Election Act section 147.22, below

A written notice under subsection (2) must include, in respect of the individual’s candidacy, 

(a) the full name, address and contact information of the individual, 

(b) the address of the place or places where records of the individual are maintained and of the place to which communications may be addressed, 

(c) the names and addresses of the financial institutions to be used by or on behalf of the individual as depositories for campaign contributions made to that individual, and 

(d) the names of the signing authorities for each depository referred to in clause (c).

What happens after I submit my Notice of Intent? 

Your name will be added to the public Register of Candidates list on Bon Accord’s 2025 Municipal Election webpage. After the Notice of Intent is filed, you may collect campaign contributions. Please review the Local Authorities Election Act for more details on campaign contributions and your legal responsibilities. 

When can I submit my Nomination papers?

During the Nomination Period from January 1, 2025 until Nomination Day, September 22, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. 

How do I submit my Nomination papers?

Complete the prescribed forms and remit to the Town office 5025 50th Avenue or email to the Returning Officer at legislativeservices@bonaccord.ca by noon on Nomination Day (September 22, 2025). The 3 forms required are:

• FORM 4 Nomination Paper and Candidate’s Acceptance 
• FORM  5 Candidate Financial Information 
• FORM 29 Notice of Intent

Other forms may be required. Candidates are encouraged to review the Local Authorities Election Act and its Local Authorities Election Act Forms Regulation for full details.

What happens after I submit my Nomination papers? 

Your name will be added to the public Register of Candidates list posted on Bon Accord’s 2025 Municipal Election webpage. If you wish to withdraw your nomination, you may do so up until noon on Nomination Day (September 22, 2025). 

Additional obligations/responsibilities are applicable once you have submitted your Nomination papers – regardless of whether there is an election or whether you are selected as an incumbent from the election. 

YourAlberta's YouTube channel has a 4-part video series for prospective candidates:

Part 1 - What do I need to know about municipalities and local governance?

Part 2 - What are the different roles in a municipality?

Part 3 - What can I expect and what is expected of me as a member of council?

Part 4 - How do I run for elected office?