Municipal Elections - Voter FAQ

Can I get the list of candidates before nominations are closed?

No. The nomination list will be available within 7 days after the nominations have closed. A candidate may remove their name before the nominations are closed and that information will not be released.

Do I have to be ordinarily resident in the municipality for 30 days prior to the election day to be able to vote?

Yes. A Canadian citizen who is 18 years of age or older is qualified to vote at an election where he or she has been ordinarily resident for the 30 days immediately before election day.

Are post-secondary students considered residents?

Yes, if they meet the required residency requirements. However, a student has to choose where to vote as they are only allowed to vote in either the municipality where the student is residing while at school or in the municipality where the family home is located, but not in both.

What type of identification do I need to vote in a municipal election?

If you are already a registered voter, specific identification may not be required. However, you should confirm this with the Returning Officer. If you are not registered as a voter, you will likely be required to show satisfactory proof of your identification and residency.

Can a proxy vote be used at an advanced poll?

No, a proxy vote can only be used on election day.

Can I request that a person help me vote?

Yes, if you are incapacitated and unable to vote on your own, or need special voting arrangements due to your personal situation, please make this known to the Returning Officer or Deputy Returning Officer, who will provide assistance through an election official or through the person accompanying you.

Does sequential numbering connect a voter to their completed ballot?

No. Sequential numbering should be found on a counterfoil, which should be separated from the ballot prior to depositing the completed ballot into the ballot box. Therefore, there should be no way to connect the completed ballot to the voter.

When is a newly elected / acclaimed councillor be sworn-in after an election?

A term of office shall begin within two weeks of being elected. Note that before starting a term of office a councillor must be sworn-in.

What restrictions exist for municipal campaign contributions?

All contributions of money, goods or services received by a candidate with a value of over $100 (or another amount if prescribed in a municipality's regulations) must be declared and counted by a candidate when reporting on campaign contributions received. Candidates must submit campaign contribution reports within 90 days of the election, and the reports will be made available to the public for inspection.

Are in-kind contributions considered campaign contributions?

Any goods or services contributed to a campaign in-kind, such as printing, signage, office space and advertising need to be included by candidates when reporting on campaign contributions, depending on their total value. To value any goods or services received, one must use the equivalent lowest market value of the goods or services received as if they were sold. Please note that personal time and services donated are not meant to be captured.

I think a municipal election was not carried out properly. What can I do?

A petition detailing the alleged complaint needs to be presented to the provincial court within 30 days of when the election (or alleged action) occurred in order for the matter to be reviewed by the court.

What type of identification do I need to register for a Mail-in Voting Kit?

Registration to receive a Voter Kit includes completing an online voter declaration form. A person registering to Vote by Mail shall submit, for each person registering, a photocopy or a scanned copy of the front and back of one piece of identification issued by the Government of Canada, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, or a municipality or a government agency that contains a photograph of the applicant including the name, address, and signature of the registrant.