RDCK

Corporate Administration

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 

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: Attn: Tom Dool – Box 590, 202 Lakeside Drive, Nelson BC V1L 5R4
  • Email: elections@rdck.bc.ca
  • In-Person: Please book an appointment with Tom Dool, see “Step 5: Campaigning and campaign finances”.

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 Avenue S, Creston

RDCK Nakusp Office: 204 6th Avenue NW, Nakusp

Resources

The RDCK provides the candidates with a package for the electoral area they will be campaigning in. Please book an appointment with Tom Dool (contact information below) between September 1 to September 11, 2026 at one of the following locations to pick up the package:

Castlegar & District Community Complex

2101 6th Ave Castlegar, BC

Date: September 2, 2026 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Creston & District Community Complex

312 9th Ave N Creston, BC

Date: September 3, 2026 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

RDCK Nakusp Office

204 6th Avenue NW Nakusp, BC

Date: September 1, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

RDCK Nelson Office

202 Lakeside Drive Nelson, BC

Date: Monday to Friday September 1 to September 11, 2022 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

Campaign period runs from September 19, 2026 to October 17, 2026.

Candidates are responsible for complying with provincial election and campaign finance rules.

Resources

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

Candidate Readiness Workshop (Castlegar) – click here to see promotion materials

Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Selkirk Room, Castlegar & District Community Complex, 2101 6th Avenue, Castlegar
Information & Livestream Details: castlegar.ca/workshop
Candidate Information Session – click here to see media release

Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Creston and District Community Complex, 312 19th Avenue N, Creston
Nomination PeriodSeptember 1 to September 11, 2026 @ 4:00 p.m.
Declaration of candidatesSeptember 11 @ 4:00 p.m.
Candidate withdrawal deadlineSeptember 18, 2026 @ 4:00 p.m.
Campaign period beginsSeptember 19, 2026
Voting DaysAdvanced Voting: October 7, 2026 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Additional Advanced Voting: October 14, 2026 (Potentially in Areas B & H – 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 US: Have questions or want to learn more about the 2026 General Local Election?

Contact Information

For General Local Election Information

Tom Dool, Chief Elections Officer

elections@rdck.bc.ca

250.352.8173

Contact Information

For General Local Election Information

Angela Lund, Deputy Chief Election Officer

elections@rdck.bc.ca

250.352.8160