Candidate Resources

Information for Candidates

• Qualifications of Office

  A person who has not been disqualified from seeking or holding elected office, may become a candidate in a local government election.

  A candidate for Mayor, Councillor or Water Councillor must:

  • be 18 years of age or older on general voting day;
  • be a Canadian citizen;
  • have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months prior to filing nomination documents; and
  • in the case of Water Councillors, you reside on a property that is serviced by the rural water system (one through seven) operated by the Town of Oliver;
  • not been disqualified under the Local Government Act of any other enactment from being nominated for, being elected to or holding office, or be otherwise disqualified by law.

  Prospective candidates must be nominated by at least two eligible electors from the local government where the person is seeking election.

• Guides and Brochures

  GUIDES

  • Candidate's Guide to Local Elections (guide for candidates about elected office and the election process including rules, qualifications, and key dates)

  BROCHURES

  • General Local Elections 101 (information about the election process and participants)
  • Thinking about Running for Local Office? (information for candidates about elected office)
  • What Every Candidate Needs to Know (overview for candidates about how to run for office)
  • Supporting a Candidate for Local Elections (ways and rules for supporting a candidate)
  • Scrutineers Guide to General Local Elections (information for those volunteering as scrutineers)
  • Voter's Guide for Electors Living on Reserve (for those voters living on Reserve)
  • Elector Organization Guide to Local Elections (overview of elector organizations in local elections)
  • Voter's Guide to Local Elections in B.C. (overview for voters about local elections and eligibility)
• Election Sign Guidelines

  Signs may be posted during the campaign period so long as the placement complies with Sign Regulation Bylaw No. 918, found here. Signs must not obscure travel lines of vision nor obstruct cyclists, pedestrians nor traffic. Signs must not obstruct access to businesses, emergency vehicles or property. Signs cannot be placed within 100 meters of a polling station.

• Video Resources - Being an Effective Elected Official

  Once you are elected the real work begins. Effective Elected Officials have a number of things in common - they:

  • Are honest and act with integrity
  • Accept responsibility for their actions
  • Respect others and the institution of local government
  • Have an ability to lead, listen, and positively influence others while working collaboratively

  These videos are intended to help potential candidates better understand what is involved in serving as an elected leader, including the skills needed to work with fellow elected officials, Indigenous partners, and the community at large.

   

• Video Resources - The Basics of General Local Elections

  If you've decided to run for local office, these four videos will provide you with general information about what you can expect before, during and following general local elections or by-elections in B.C.

• Video Resources - The Role of Local Elected Officials

  Elected officials are entrusted with making decisions that directly affect the daily lives of residents, families, local business owners and many others in the local community.

  If you’re thinking of running for local office part of the decision-making process may include considering the role you will play, how best you can serve your community and the impact you will have as an elected official.  

  These videos give potential candidates information to help them with answers to questions that they may have before making the decision to run for local office.