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2026 General Local Election: I want to run
Running for office
As an elected official, you have the chance to represent your community and play a key role in shaping decisions that influence local services, infrastructure, and future growth.
The RDCK 2026 general local election is for candidates seeking office in Electoral Areas A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I , J and K.
Elected candidates will serve on the Regional District of Central Kootenay Board of Directors and represent residents in their electoral area.
Interested in running for your municipality’s council or mayor?
Visit the Castlegar, Creston, Kaslo, Nakusp, Nelson, New Denver, Salmo, Silverton, or Slocan websites for more information on becoming a councillor or mayor.
Interested in running as a School District Trustee?
Visit the School District Trustee Elections websites for more information on the trustee elections.
On this page
Confirm eligibility
Important dates
Nomination process
Candidate FAQs
What you need to know to run
To run for office, you:
- are 18 or older on general voting day
- are a Canadian citizen
- have lived in British Columbia for at least six months immediately before registering
- live in the applicable electoral area when registering
- are not disqualified by law
Resources
This election is for candidates seeking office in the RDCK Electoral Areas:
- Electoral Area A
- Electoral Area B
- Electoral Area C
- Electoral Area D
- Electoral Area E
- Electoral Area F
- Electoral Area G
- Electoral Area H
- Electoral Area I
- Electoral Area J
- Electoral Area K
If you are unsure whether your area falls within the RDCK jurisdiction, enter your Civic Address in the RDCK – Public Web Map
- School Districts No. 8, School District No. 10, and No. 20 – Please visit School District Trustee Elections
- SD No. 8: Serves Nelson, Slocan Valley, Kaslo, Meadow Creek, Salmo, Crawford Bay, and Creston.
- SD 10 (Arrow Lakes): Serves Nakusp, New Denver, Edgewood, and Burton.
- SD 20 (Kootenay-Columbia): Serves Castlegar
Candidates must be nominated by two (2) eligible electors from the electoral area where they are seeking office.
Nominators must be eligible voters in that electoral area.
Resources
Candidates must complete and submit the required nominations forms during the nomination period of September 1 to September 11, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Nomination packages can be received by email, in-person, or mail to the following:
- Mail or In-Person: Attn: Tom Dool – 202 Lakeside Drive, Nelson BC V1L 5R4
- Email: elections@rdck.bc.ca
Candidate materials include:
- Candidate nomination package
- key dates guide
- Map of Electoral Areas
Candidate nomination packages will be available starting August 4, 2026. Nomination forms are available in the nomination package online or in hard copy at the following RDCK offices:
RDCK Nelson Office: 202 Lakeside Drive, Nelson
RDCK Creston Office: 531 16th Ave S, Creston
Resources
- What every candidate needs to know
- Being an effective elected official (videos)
- Nominations – Province of British Columbia
- Candidate’s Guide to Local Elections in B.C. – Coming Soon
Campaign period runs from September 19, 2026 to October 17, 2026.
Candidates are responsible for complying with provincial election and campaign finance rules.
Resources
- Candidate Handbook
- Guide to Campaign Financing for Local Candidates and Financial Agents in B.C.
- Election Advertising – Quick Reference Sheet
- Local Election Expense Limits
- Candidate Expense Limit
- Information Sessions
- Online Learning
- Local Elections Campaign Financing Regulation
Any campaign finance inquiries can be directed to Elections BC.
Where can I learn more about campaign rules?
Detailed information about election rules and campaign financing is available from the Province of British Columbia.
Can I run if I live outside the electoral area?
Yes. In British Columbia, you can run for local office in a municipality or regional district even if you do not live there. You also do not need to own property in the jurisdiction where you’re running.
Important Candidate Dates
| Nomination Period | September 1 to September 11, 2026 @ 4:00 p.m. |
| Declaration of candidates | September 11 @ 4:00 p.m. |
| Candidate withdrawal deadline | September 18, 2026 @ 4:00 p.m. |
| Campaign period begins | September 19, 2026 |
| Voting Days | Advanced Voting: October 7, 2026 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Advanced Voting: October 14, 2026 (NOTE: This date will be determined after the declaration of candidates on September 11, 2026.) General Voting: October 17, 2026 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
Contact Information
For General Local Election Information
Tom Dool, Chief Elections Officer
250.352.8173
Contact Information
For General Local Election Information
Angela Lund, Deputy Chief Election Officer
250.352.8160