On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about becoming a candidate in North Saanich, including eligibility requirements, nominations, key dates, and campaign rules.
Candidates must be nominated by at least two (2) eligible electors. See Becoming a Candidate and Nominations below for details on requesting and submitting your nomination package.
The nomination period opens at 9:00 am on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, and closes at 4:00 pm on Friday, September 11, 2026. A nominee becomes an official candidate only after submitting a complete nomination package and being declared a candidate by the Chief Election Officer (after 4:00 p.m. on September 11, 2026).
Key Dates
| Aug 4 to Sept 11 | Nomination Packages available |
| Sept 1 to Sept 11 | Nomination Period |
| Sept 19 to Oct 17 | Campaign Period |
Am I eligible to run for office?
A person may become a candidate in a local election as long as they have not been disqualified from seeking or holding elected office. A candidate must:
- Be 18 years of age or older on general voting day
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Be a resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration, (April 16);
- Not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from being nominated for, being elected to or holding office, or be otherwise disqualified by law
You do not have to live in North Saanich to run for office, however, your nominators must be eligible electors of North Saanich.
Request a nomination package
Nomination packages will be available from August 4, 2026, up to 4:00 pm on September 11, 2026 (the close of the nomination period).
Nomination packages may be:
- picked up at Municipal Hall during regular business hours, or
- electronically using the online request form
Beginning Aug. 4, 2026, individuals can pick up a nomination package in person at the front counter at North Saanich Municipal Hall or receive a digital copy by email.
Individuals may request a nomination package by using our online webform:
Important information
Candidates are encouraged to pick up their nomination package well in advance of the nomination deadline to allow sufficient time to complete all requirements, including ensuring the nominators (2) are eligible electors. Nomination packages submitted after the deadline (4:00 pm, Friday, September 11, 2026) cannot be accepted.
Elector Organizations
Elector organizations are responsible for registering with Elections BC and complying with all applicable requirements under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act (LECFA).
Information about registration and endorsement requirements can be obtained directly from Elections BC.
Submitting Nomination Documents
Candidates are encouraged to contact the Chief Election Officer (CEO) or Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO) in advance to schedule an appointment to submit their nomination documents. Scheduling an appointment helps ensure documents can be reviewed for completeness and avoids delays close to the nomination deadline.
Submitting nomination documents in-person at Municipal Hall, is preferred, however, you may submit to the CEO through any of the following methods:
- In person: Municipal Hall, 1620 Mills Road, North Saanich
- By mail: Attention: CEO/DCEO, 1620 Mills Road, North Saanich, BC, V8L 5S9
- By fax: 250.656.0782 to the Attention of: CEO/DCEO
- By email: election@northsaanich.ca ; or ChiefElectionOfficer@northsaanich.ca
All nomination documents must be received by the CEO/DCEO no later than the close of the nomination period (4:00 pm on Friday, September 11, 2026), regardless of the submission method.
Note - the Candidate must physically sign the solemn declaration, contained in the package, in the presence of a Commissioner for Taking Oaths and Affidavits in BC (e.g., a lawyer, notary public, the CEO or DCEO), in order for the nomination to be accepted.
Who may nominate you
Nominators must be eligible to vote in the Municipality of North Saanich as either a Resident Elector or a Non-Resident Property Elector. Two (2) nominators are required.
Challenging a nomination
Nomination documents (Forms C2 and CS2 only) that are submitted by nominees are available for public inspection at North Saanich Municipal Hall during regular office hours from the time they have been submitted until 30 days after the election results have been declared.
Redacted copies of the nomination documents (Forms C2 and CS2 only) will also be available on the municipal website. Personal information will be redacted in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Unredacted (complete) copies of nomination documents are available for in-person inspection only at Municipal Hall.
Access to unredacted nomination documents is permitted only after an individual signs a declaration confirming that the information will not be used for purposes other than those permitted under section 89(9) of the Local Government Act or purposes authorized by section 63 of the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act. An eligible elector, another nominee for office or the local Chief Election Officer can challenge a prospective candidate’s nomination if they believe the nomination documents are incorrect or the person is not otherwise eligible to be nominated for office. Nomination challenges must be made through an application to the Provincial Court. The application must briefly set out the facts upon which the challenge is based and be supported by an affidavit signed by the challenger.
Campaign signs
Campaign signs are regulated by "District of North Saanich Sign Bylaw No. 1489 (2020)". Section 5.3 of Bylaw No. 1489 stipulates where election/campaign signs are permitted.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure also has rules for election signs on provincial highways.
General rules
Election signs must not:
- Be posted until the candidate has filed his or her nomination papers with the Chief Election Officer;
- Not exceed an area of 1.5 m2 (16 ft2);
- Not exceed a height of 1.53 metres (5.02 feet);
- Not be illuminated;
- Obstruct traffic control devices or signage
- Obstruct sightlines at intersections
- Create safety hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles
- Be placed within 1 metre of a fire hydrant
- Display any North Saanich logo, trademark, or branding (in whole or part)
- Be located within 100 metres of a voting place on voting days (special, advance and general)
Election Signs may only be erected in the following locations:
- On private property with the permission of the owner
(Bylaw No. 1489 Page 8) - On the municipal Boulevard fronting private property, but only with the permission of the owner in front of whose private property the Sign is placed
Installation and Safety
Installing signs by digging or staking into the ground may pose risks to underground infrastructure (e.g., gas lines, sewer or water lines). Before placing signs, contact BC One Call (1-800-474-6886) or visit: www.bc1c.ca/tag/click-call-or-check-before-you-dig
Removal Requirements
All campaign signs placed within North Saanich’s boundaries must be removed within 3 days after General Voting Day (October 20, 2026).
Voting Day Restrictions
Under Section 163(4) of the Local Government Act, election signs are prohibited within 100 meters of voting places, including advance and special voting opportunities.
To learn more about voting locations and dates, visit the Information for Voters webpage.
Enforcement
Dangerous or unlawfully placed signs may be removed by North Saanich’s Bylaw Officers and held at Municipal Hall for up to 30 days. Unclaimed signs may be disposed of.
Signs removed by the District shall be impounded for a period of thirty (30) days, at which point, if the Sign remains unclaimed, it will be disposed of by sale, auction or demolition with all proceeds being retained by the District. To reclaim a Sign within the impoundment period, the owner shall obtain and pay for a permit issued in Bylaw No. 1489 Page 14, including a penalty of twice the normal permit fee, and reimburse the District for all expenses incurred in its removal before the Sign will be released.
North Saanich assumes no responsibility for damage to improperly placed signs.
Candidates may be liable for damage to municipal property caused by sign placement.
Election Signs and Campaign Rules (Elections BC)
Elections BC is responsible for regulating the information required on election signage, as well as administering and enforcing election advertising, campaign financing, and disclosure rules under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act (LECFA). This includes educating candidates, conducting investigations, and enforcing third-party advertising requirements.
Candidates must comply with disclosure rules that ensure transparency around:
- Campaign contributions
- Election expenses
For information on sign placement along provincial highways, refer to:
Contact Elections BC if you have questions about campaign financing, election advertising and third party sponsor rules. Elections BC has published several guides to support candidates, financial agents, elector organizations and third-party sponsors.
- Local Elections FAQS
- Find guides on the Elections BC website
- What to Know Before You Start Campaigning Quick Reference Sheet
Financial Disclosure
Nominees for local government office must make a written disclosure in accordance with Financial Disclosure Act s. 2(1). To learn more about disclosure statement requirements, visit the Municipal Officials – financial disclosure webpage hosted by the Province of BC. For more information about whether this applies to you, see the definitions page
Related Links
- Financial Disclosure FAQs
- What Must be Disclosed
- Running for Local Office
- Statement of Disclosure
- Financial Disclosure Act
- School Act
Questions about campaign financing or advertising rules:
Contact Local Elections Campaign Financing at Elections BC by phone at 1‑800‑661‑8683 or by email at electoral.finance@elections.bc.ca.
Date | Action or Deadline |
January 1, 2026 | Start of Election Period |
July 20, 2026 | Start of Pre-Campaign Period |
July 30, 2026 | Candidate Information Session |
September 1, 2026 | Start of Nomination Period |
September 11, 2026 | End of Nomination Period – 4:00 pm |
September 11, 2026 | Declaration of Candidates – after 4:00 pm |
September 18, 2026 | Candidate Nomination Withdrawal Deadline-by 4:00 pm |
September 18, 2026 | End of Pre-Campaign Period |
September 18, 2026 | End of Election Period - 12:00 Midnight |
September 19, 2026 | Start of Campaign Period - 12:01 am |
September 21, 2026 | Declaration of Election by Voting/Acclamation – |
October 7, 2026 | Required Advance Voting Opportunity |
October 14, 2026 | Required Advance Voting Opportunity |
October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day |
October 17, 2026 | End of Campaign Period |
October 21, 2026 | Last Day to Declare Official Election Results – by 4:00 pm |
November 20, 2026 | Close of Public Inspection of Nomination Documents |
November 20, 2026 | End of Application Period to BC Supreme Court to challenge election |
December 4, 2026 | Deadline to Make Oath of Office |
January 15, 2027 | End of Period to File Campaign Financing Disclosure Statement with Elections BC |
January 16, 2027 | Start of Period for Late Filing of Campaign Financing Disclosure Statement with Elections BC |
February 16, 2027 | End of Period for Late Filing of Campaign Financing Disclosure Statement with Elections BC |
North Saanich, Central Saanich, and Sidney will be hosting a Candidate Information Session for individuals who are thinking of running for Office.
This session will provide potential candidates with information covering a range of topics designed to assist in an understanding of key concepts for effective local governance and responsibly for representing community interests.
Date: July 30, 2026
Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: Greendale Community Centre, 2151 Lannon Way, Sidney, BC
Attendance is encouraged for all candidates.
Who to Contact
If you have questions about the election process, contact one of the options below:
If you have questions about… | Contact… |
Voting and ballots | |
Nomination process | |
Advertising rules | |
Campaign financing and disclosure rules | |
Registration of elector organizations | |
Legislation for local elections |
Bylaws
- North Saanich Elections Procedure Bylaw No. 1451 (2018)
- North Saanich Mail Ballot Authorization Procedures Bylaw No. 1603 (2026)
- North Saanich Automated Voting Machines Authorization Bylaw No. 1607 (2026)
- North Saanich Council Remuneration Bylaw No. 1608 (2026)
- North Saanich Sign Bylaw No. 1489 (2020)
- SD63 (Saanich) Trustee Elections Bylaw No. 1004 (2026)
- SD63 (Saanich) Policy 12 – Trustee Election Procedures Appendix A
Resource Material
The following brochures, guides and videos help potential candidates with general information about what you can expect before, during and following local government elections in BC
- Thinking About Running for Local Office?
- What Every Candidate Needs to Know
- Candidates Guide to Local Elections
- Foundational Principles of Responsible Conduct
Being an effective elective official
The following six videos are hosted on the Ministry of Housing and Municipals Affairs website, provide general information on local government governance:
- Advice for People Running for Local Office
- What is Responsible Conduct?
- Working with Others
- Reflections on Building Relationships with First Nations
- Unproductive Conflict vs. Productive Conflict
- Tools to Support Good Governance
For more information about local government elections, visit the Province of BC website.