The information provided within this section provides an introduction of the requirements for running for office in the Town of Ponoka. Candidates are responsible for understanding all legislation concerning elections. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
Notice of Intent to Run
The Notice of Intent to Run process is new for the 2025 municipal election. Prospective candidates must file the Notice of Intent for Run form with the Election Office before accepting campaign contributions or incurring campaign expenses. Once the Election Office receives your completed form, your name will be added to the Register of Candidates on the Town’s website.
The campaign period for the 2025 municipal election is October 31, 2024 until December 31, 2025.
Candidates must follow the election finance rules set out in Part 5.1 of the Local Authorities Election Act and the Expense Limits Regulation.
Where there is any changes to the information provided in the Notice of Intent to Run, the candidate must notify the Election's Office within 48 hours.
How Do I Know if I’m Eligible to Run?
Anyone considering running for office should confirm their eligibility as a first step. To be eligible, a prospective candidate must be:
- At least 18 years old on Nomination Day (September 22, 2025)
- A Canadian citizen
- A resident of the Town of Ponoka for the six consecutive months immediately before Nomination Day
- A resident of the Town of Ponoka on Election Day (October 20, 2025)
- Not otherwise ineligible or disqualified under the Local Authorities Election Act
It is a candidate’s responsibility to confirm eligibility before engaging in the nomination process.
Is Submitting a Notice of Intent to Run the Same as Submitting Nomination Forms?
No. Submitting a Notice of Intent to Run is one step in the process and does not mean you have been nominated and will appear on the ballot.
Once a prospective candidate’s Notice of Intent to Run submission is complete and they are added to the Register of Candidates, they can accept campaign contributions and incur campaign expenses.
To become a nominated candidate and appear on the ballot, a candidate must complete the nomination process during the Nomination Period from January 1 to September 22, 2025.
What is the Register of Candidates?
The Register of Candidates is a record of all candidates who have given notice to the Town of Ponoka Election Office that they intend to seek nomination for office in the next general election, as required by the Local Authorities Election Act.
Is a Deposit Required to File a Notice of Intent to Run?
No, a deposit is not required when filing a Notice of Intent to Run.
When is a Disclosure Statement Required to be Filed?
Candidates are required to file a disclosure statement with the Election Office, on or before March 1 of each year, if contributions were received in the previous year. If contributions are collected and/or expenses incurred in 2024, a disclosure statement must be filed on or before March 1, 2025. For contributions collected and expenses incurred in 2025, a disclosure statement must be filed on or before March 1, 2026.
TIP: Make sure to keep complete and detailed records of your contributions and expenses. This will be important for completing your disclosure statement(s).
Register of Candidates
The Town is required to maintain a register of candidates that have filed a Notice of Intent to Run and the register will be publicly available on the Town’s website until December 31, 2025.
Currently, there are no Notices of Intent to Run that have been filed.