Nanaimo Votes 2026: Nomination period closed for 2026 General Local Election
Mayor and Councillor candidates declared
NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 14, 2026 10:00 AM
Summary
The nomination period for the 2026 General Local Election has ended and the Chief Election Officer has declared the candidates. Four candidates have been declared for the position of Mayor and 40 candidates have been declared for the position of Councillor.
The deadline for challenging candidate nominations is 4:00 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. The deadline for court to hear and determine challenges of nomination and the deadline for withdrawal of candidates or elector organization endorsements is 4:00 pm, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. The final list of candidates will be announced through the Declaration of Election to be published on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026 at nanaimo.ca/elections and in the statutory notice of election to be published later in September.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, electors in the City of Nanaimo will elect one mayor and eight councillors. Two advance polls will be held in the Beban Social Centre from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, Oct. 7 and Oct. 14, 2026. General Voting Day is Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, and 11 voting locations will be open for voters to choose from.
For more information visit www.nanaimo.ca/elections.
Link to Strategic Plan: N/A
Key Points
- The nomination period for the 2026 General Local Election has closed and the Chief Election Officer has officially declared four (4) mayoral candidates and forty (40) councillor candidates.
- Nanaimo voters will elect one mayor and eight councillors on General Voting Day, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
- Advance voting opportunities will be available at Beban Social Centre on Wednesday, Oct. 7 and Oct. 14, 2026, with 11 voting locations open across Nanaimo on General Voting Day, Saturday, Oct.17, 2026.
Quotes
"Local government decisions have a direct impact on our community and this election is an important opportunity for residents to have their say. We encourage everyone to review the candidate information and participate in advance voting or on General Voting Day."
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