Run in the election
Run as a candidate
Kelowna Votes 2026
Step forward and shape what comes next for Kelowna. Decisions made in the next four years set the course for generations.
Lead our City
Running for office puts you in a position to shape Kelowna's future and leave a legacy. Knowing the rules from the start helps you stay compliant, focus on your campaign, and keep the election fair and transparent.
Get Started
Sign up for updates
Get the latest election news in your inbox
View election dates
Add dates and deadlines to your calendar
Get started as a candidate
Are you considering running for mayor, city councillor or school board trustee? Explore the key information below to understand what’s involved, and find general election resources from Elections BC.
Mark your calendar
See all election dates and deadlines at kelowna.ca/calendar.
| July TBD, 2026 | Candidate packages available |
| August TBD, 2026 | Information session for potential candidates |
| September 1, 2026 to September 11, 2026 by 4pm | Nomination period |
| September 18, 2026 by 4pm | Nomination withdrawal deadline |
| September 19, 2026 to October 17, 2026 | Campaign period |
| October 7-16, 2026 | Advance voting days |
| October 17, 2026 | General voting day |
| October TBD, 2026 to November TBD, 2026 | New Council orientation |
| November 2, 2026 | Inaugural Council meeting at 7pm |
| January 15, 2027 | Deadline for campaign financing disclosure statement |
| February TBD, 2027 | Late deadline for campaign financing disclosure statement ($500 penalty) |
Thinking of running for mayor or councillor? For an overview of what to expect before, during and after the election, check out the video series provided by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
Municipal election candidates must follow the Local Government Act and the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, rules designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and public trust in the election process.
To check the latest candidate expense limits, visit Elections BC.
You may file nomination papers for mayor or councillor, not both.
To run for local government office, you must:
- be a Canadian citizen,
- be 18 years of age or older on General Election Day,
- have lived in B.C. for at least six months before nomination day, and
- not be disqualified from being nominated, elected, or holding office.
You do not have to live in the jurisdiction for which you are running for office.
You are NOT eligible to run for local government office if you:
- are a judge of the Provincial Court, Supreme Court or Court of Appeal;
- are an employee or salaried officer of the local government (unless you have taken a leave of absence to run for office and agree to resign if elected);
- are under sentence for an indictable offence and are in custody or in prison;
- have been found guilty of an elections offence, such as double voting or buying votes and are prohibited from holding office; or
- are disqualified for not filing a disclosure statement in a previous election or for not making an oath of office or attending meetings.
Candidate information packages will be available late July 2026.
Candidate information packages can be:
- requested online (request form will be posted here), or
- picked up at the Office of the City Clerk, 2nd floor, City Hall, 1435 Water Street.
Each package includes:
- eligibility requirements,
- the nomination process,
- key dates and deadlines, and
- an overview of the responsibilities of elected officials.
Join the Office of the City Clerk in August for a Candidate Information Session that covers:
- what it’s like to serve on City Council,
- an overview of the election process,
- candidate requirements and expectations, and
- key dates and responsibilities.
Two identical sessions will be offered on August 12 or August 19 at 6 p.m.
You can attend only one of the sessions:
- In person: Council Chamber, Kelowna City Hall, 1465 Water Street, or
- Online: A meeting link will be posted on this page the day of the event.
Submit your papers
To run in the 2026 City of Kelowna election, candidates must submit their nomination papers:
- Starting: September 1, 2026 at 8 a.m.
- Deadline: September 11, 2026, at 4 p.m.
- Where: In person at the Office of the City Clerk, 2nd floor, City Hall, 1435 Water Street
Book an appointment to verify your papers (recommended but optional)
To ensure your nomination package is complete, the Office of the City Clerk recommends booking a verification appointment before you submit:
- Email [email protected] or call 250‑469‑8645 to schedule an appointment
- Bring all nomination documents and attend in person at City Hall, 1435 Water Street
- Once nomination documents are accepted, they become public information.
Follow the nomination requirements
Candidates must:
- submit all papers by the deadline,
- pay a $100 nomination deposit,
- collect 10 nominators (City Council) or 2 nominators (School Board Trustee).
- nominators must be eligible voters who either live in or own eligible property in Kelowna.
Nominees whose papers have been accepted will be formally declared candidates at the close of the nomination period.
Candidates have until September 18, 2026, at 4 p.m. to withdraw their nomination for the 2026 General Local Election. To withdraw, you can provide written notice:
- by email to [email protected], or
- by dropping off to the Office of the City Clerk, 2nd floor, City Hall, 1435 Water Street.
Questions can be directed to 250‑469‑8645.
Verify that your information is included correctly on the Election Candidate List following the nomination period.
Elector Organizations
If your group raises or spends money to support a candidate or a slate of candidates, visit Elections BC to understand the requirements for elector organizations, campaign contribution limits, and financial disclosure obligations.
Advertising Sponsors
If you pay for election advertising independently from a candidate or elector organization, visit Elections BC to understand the requirements for third party sponsors, advertising expense limits, and financial disclosure obligations.
