Nanaimo Votes 2026: General Local Election information for interested candidates

Candidate information sessions taking place on July 15 and August 12 with nomination packages available August 4

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed July 8, 2026 10:00 AM

Summary

Individuals interested in running in the 2026 General Local Election are invited to attend an upcoming candidate information session being held in partnership with the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN). Two sessions will take place on Wednesday, July 15 and Wednesday, Aug. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. Both sessions will cover the same material and will provide an opportunity to learn more about the role of elected officials and the election process. Attendance is drop-in and registration is not required.

The first session on July 15 will be held in the Board Chambers at the RDN Administration Office (6300 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo). It will be livestreamed on the RDN's website and a recording will be made available on the City website following the session. The second session on Aug. 12 will be in-person only at the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre (1155 Resort Drive, Parksville) in the Grand Strathcona Room.

Nomination packages will be available for those interested in running as a candidate in the 2026 General Local Election beginning Tuesday, Aug. 4. Packages can be picked up from the Legislative Services Office located on the first floor of City Hall (455 Wallace Street) or can be requested electronically by emailing elections@nanaimo.ca.

The nomination package contains important information for those interested in running in the election, including rules regarding election signage, required number of nominators, nomination deposits and other resources. There is no fee to pick up a nomination package; however, a $100 nomination document filing fee will be charged when filing nomination documents in accordance with the City’s General Election Bylaw.

To find more information on nominations including qualifications and deposit fees, visit www.nanaimo.ca/elections.

Link to Strategic Plan: n/a

Key Points

Two candidate information sessions will be held on July 15 and Aug. 12. The sessions are being co-hosted by the City of Nanaimo and Regional District of Nanaimo.
Nomination packages will be available beginning Tuesday, Aug. 4. Office hours are between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.
The period to file nomination documents is from 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1 until 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. Documents may be submitted by email, fax, or mail. Appointments for filing nomination documents are encouraged and will be available for booking mid-August.
General Voting Day for the 2026 General Local Election is Saturday, Oct. 17.

Quotes

"Candidate information sessions provide a valuable opportunity to learn about the role of elected officials, and the election process. Nomination packages provide specific information prospective candidates need to know about running in the 2026 General Local Election – eligibility requirements, the nomination process, candidate responsibilities and key forms."

Sheila Gurrie

Chief Election Officer

City of Nanaimo