Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Prospective candidates must first file a Notice of Intent. Then Nomination Papers, financial information and contact information are filed with the Returning Officer at City Hall.

For Mayoral candidates, the papers must be signed by 100 eligible electors; for Councillor candidates, the papers must be signed by 50 eligible electors; and for school trustee candidates, the papers must be signed by five eligible electors. Each candidate should print their name as they wish it to appear on the ballot. No deposit is required.

Nomination Papers can be filed with the City Clerk (Returning Officer) between January 1 and noon on Monday, September 22 (Nomination Day). Appointments are required and can be arranged by emailing election@lethbridge.ca.

Forms that are incomplete or contain errors will not be accepted. A facsimile or email of Nominations Papers is not considered legal. 

Yes. However, the Nomination Papers must be fully completed. The candidate must also sign the form in front of a Commissioner for Oaths. No changes can be made to add information or correct errors unless the candidate is present.

No. Submitting a Notice of Intent is one step in the process and does not mean you have been nominated and will appear on the ballot. Once a prospective candidate's Notice of Intent submission is complete and they are added to the Register of Candidates, they can accept campaign contributions and incur campaign expenses. A candidate must complete the nomination process to become a nominated candidate and appear on the ballot.

Lethbridge has an at-large system. This means that each member of City Council represents the city as a whole and not a particular neighbourhood.

To elect a Mayor, City Councillors (up to eight), Public School Trustee (up to seven) or Separate School Trustee (up to five), municipal questions (if any) and provincial questions (if any).

Voting will take place starting October 8. The last day to vote will be October 20. Voting stations will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

You may vote at one of the voting stations during the Election Period on voting days from October 8 to October 20. Detailed location information will be updated closer to the Election Period.

Only nominated candidates that have filed their Notice of Intent with the Returning Officer may campaign. A candidate must have a dedicated bank account open before they file their papers.

Campaign signs are permitted on public property beginning Tuesday, September 2.

Campaign signs are permitted on private property anytime, provided permission is obtained from the property owner.

Learn more about campaign sign guidelines here.

City of Lethbridge regulations prohibit candidates from using City of Lethbridge, Lethbridge Elections, Public Schools and Separate Schools logos. The Local Authorities Election Act prohibits the development of materials that appear to be a form of ballot.

Campaigning is prohibited in and around a voting station while voting is occurring. This includes canvassing for votes, displaying signage and wearing campaign materials.

The City of Lethbridge does not coordinate any candidate forums. However, we will provide information on our website listing of any candidate forums or debates that are taking place. In addition, two-minute videos will be provided from all the candidates shortly after Nominations close on September 22.

All candidates for Mayor, City Councillor, and School Trustee must file a disclosure statement by March 2, 2026, regardless of being self-funded or being elected.

Anyone who is at least 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen, and a resident of Lethbridge on Election Day. If you are not a Canadian citizen, you are not able to vote.

Learn more about voter eligibility here.

Students must have a permanent address in Lethbridge to vote.

If you attend school in Lethbridge but have family outside of Lethbridge who you usually live with when not attending school, then you are not eligible to vote. 

Yes! For those who are unable to attend a voting station because of a physical disability, we will provide the opportunity to vote by coming to their homes on Monday, October 20.

Ballots will be hand counted. Learn more about the process here.

Unofficial results will be published as they become available after the close of voting stations. Because hand counting is required, this will take several days.