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************ WHAT IS A MUNICIPAL ELECTION? ****************

A Municipal or Local Election is an election that takes place at the city, town, or county level to allow residents to choose their local government leaders and representatives. In the the Town of Calmar, the municipal election involves voting for 4 Councillors and 1 Mayor. Local elections determine who will represent the community in making decisions about local issues, such as infrastructure, community services, development, and budgets.

Before throwing your hat in the ring, please take a moment to review the Candidate’s Guide   (2021 version.) Once the 2025 version is updated by the Alberta government, we will update this guide. The Alberta government also has a 4-part series video that answers all questions about what is expected of elected officials. Video

**Do you know someone who would make a great local leader? If you do, let them know about this great resource. Help spread the word and encourage more Albertans to consider running for seats on their local councils.

*********** VOTER IDENTIFICATION (NEW REQUIREMENT) **********

In order to vote in the Calmar Municipal Election, voters are required to be named on the Permanent Electors Register and produce a piece of identification issued by the Canadian government, whether federal, provincial or local; or an agency of that government, that contains a photograph of the person.

Alternatively, the person may make a statement that they are eligible to vote as an elector in the presence of an officer at the voting station, in the prescribed form, and validates the persons identity and address of person’s residence.

To ensure you are included on a permanent electors register,

go to elections.ab.ca/voters/register-to-vote.

When you go to vote: Any of the following documents that contain BOTH YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS will be accepted as valid proof of identification:

  • Photo identification issued by a Canadian government or agency, whether federal, provincial or local or an agency of that government, that contains a photograph of the elector and their name and current address.
  • Alberta Operator’s (Driver’s) License
  • Alberta Identification Card
  • Voter Identification
  • Vouching
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*** HOW TO RUN IN THE ELECTION – IN THE TOWN OF CALMAR ****

         1. Confirm Eligibility

To be eligible, prospective candidates must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age on Nomination Day
  • Be a resident of Calmar for the 6 consecutive months before Nomination Day
  • Be a Canadian citizen
  • Not be disqualified under the Local Authorities Election Act (sections 21-24) or Education Act (Sections 4(4) and 74)

        2. Complete the Nomination Paper & Candidates Acceptance:

Please print the attached document and bring it in to the Town office.

       3.  Complete the Candidate Financial Information:

Please print the attached document and bring it in to the Town office.

        4. Submit your Nomination forms:

Candidates can submit the above completed forms by:

  • Bring the forms, in person, to the Town office. 4901 – 50 Avenue, Calmar, AB.
  • For any changes to the information provided, notice must be given to the Returning Officer in writing.
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******** WHAT TO EXPECT ONCE YOU ARE ELECTED: **********

Your Time Constraints & Other Information

  • Mandatory Elected Officials training
  • The evenings of the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month for Council Meetings
  • Afternoon of the fourth Wednesday of the month, for Committee of the Whole Meetings
  • Regular board meetings depending on which board you are appointed to will depend on the time commitment (monthly to once a year)   Boards and Committees Schedule
  • Annual Strategic Priorities planning workshops
  • Annual Budget Deliberations – multiple meetings
  • Council Remuneration Policy
  • Council Code of Conduct Policy
  • Various Elected Officials Conferences and learning opportunities
  • Attendance and speaking opportunities at Town events

For more information on what is involved in running in the election and what happens after you are elected; click on the below links from the Alberta Government’s Local Authorities Election Act.

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********************** QUESTIONS: *****************************

For any questions, please call Heather Bryans, Returning Officer, at the Town office. 780-985-3604.