The nomination period is now open for candidates running in the Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 General Election. Eligible individuals can run as a candidate for mayor, councillor, or public or separate school board trustee.
“Running for elected office demonstrates a deep commitment to public service,” says Kate Martin, Returning Officer for the 2025 General Election. “Local democracy is strengthened when people from all backgrounds with diverse experiences are willing to step up and put their name on the ballot.”
Nomination papers may be filed with Elections Calgary between Thursday, Jan. 2 and 12:00 noon, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. All candidates must submit the following:
- Form 4 – Nomination Paper and Candidate’s Acceptance;
- Form 5 – Candidate Financial Information;
- Criminal record check; and,
- Deposit of $500 for mayor candidates or $100 for councillor and public or separate school board trustee candidates.
Nominations can be filed in-person by appointment or by mail/courier to:
City of Calgary Attn: Elections Calgary, Mailcode #207 P.O. Box 2100, Station ‘M’ Calgary, AB, T2P 2M5
Visit electionscalgary.ca for additional information on how to become a candidate and to access the required forms.
Individuals interested in becoming a candidate are invited to sign up to receive the Elections Calgary newsletter. The newsletter shares information to help candidates stay up to date on the 2025 General Election, including upcoming candidate information sessions.
A list of candidates is available online and will be updated as nomination papers are accepted.
Local political parties and slates pilot
The Government of Alberta is piloting local political parties and slates in the city of Calgary for the 2025 General Election. Individuals running for mayor or councillor have the option to be nominated as an endorsed candidate of a local political party or slate. Local political parties and slates have until Thursday, July 24, 2025 to register with Elections Calgary.
Campaign finance requirements
The Local Authorities Election Act and Alberta Regulation 171/2024 (Expense Limits Regulation) govern campaign finance requirements including campaign contributions, expense limits and disclosure requirements for political participants (candidates, third party advertisers, local political parties, and slates). Visit Elections Calgary’s web page for political participants for more information.
Key dates for the 2025 General Election
Jan. 2 – Nominations open
May 1 – Election advertising period begins for third party advertisers
July 24 – Last day for local political parties and slates to register
Sept. 22 – Nomination Day (nominations close at noon)
Oct. 6-11 – Advance Vote
Oct. 20 – Election Day
Additional details about the 2025 General Election, including hours and locations for voting, will be shared later this year.
Elections Calgary is a division of the City Clerk’s Office responsible for independently and impartially administering the Returning Officer’s accountabilities in General Elections, by-elections and votes of the electors on behalf of The City of Calgary, the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School District. Learn more at electionscalgary.ca.
