KEY ELECTION DATES
July 29, 2026 – Campaign period opens. Nomination papers can be picked up Monday to Friday during regular business hours at the Brazeau County Administration Office. Completed Intent to Run forms and nomination papers can be dropped off by appointment with Returning Officer Courtney Whalen. Appointments can be booked by contacting election@brazeau.ab.ca or calling 780-542-7777.
July 30, 2026 – Nomination and candidate information packages will be available for pickup at the Brazeau County Administration Office. Electronic copies available on this webpage or by request at election@brazeau.ab.ca.
October 5, 2026 – Nominations close at 12 p.m. No nominations accepted after 12 p.m.
October 6, 2026 – Candidates may withdraw their nomination by 12 p.m., provided more than the required nominations for the position have been received.
October 9, 2026 – At 12 p.m. the returning officer will announce that a by-election shall be held for the position of reeve if more nominations have been received than vacancies available. If only one candidate has submitted nomination papers that candidate will be declared acclaimed.
November 2, 2026 – By-Election Day. Voting stations shall be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Unofficial results may be posted by the returning officer once counting is complete.
November 6, 2026 – Official election results posted by 12 p.m.
Election Information Packages Available
Considering running for municipal council can be a big decision with lots of things to consider. To help prospective candidates Brazeau County has put together nomination/candidate information packages.
Packages include high level information about responsibilities of the reeve, campaigning, Election Day and the Local Authorities Election Act. The packages also include relevant bylaws and policies about Council remuneration and meeting procedures.
These information packages are not intended to be a complete guide for candidates. It is a candidate’s responsibility to become familiar with the Local Authorities Election Act and make sure they are following all necessary regulations. Copies of the Act are available through Alberta King’s Printer, or on request to the returning officer.
Hard copy packages are available at the front desk of the Brazeau County office. Digital copies of the handbook only are available on Brazeau County’s election webpage. The County’s bylaws and policies can also be accessed on its website at brazeau.ab.ca.
For any questions prospective candidates are asked to contact the returning officer at election@brazeau.ab.ca or 780-542-7777.
Prospective candidates required to file intent to run
Are you planning to run in the 2026 Reeve By-Election but aren’t ready to submit your official paperwork just yet?
There could be several reasons why an individual who has decided to become a candidate in the municipal election waits to file their nomination papers including:
- Waiting on completion of the criminal record check required under Bylaw 1196-24
- Still collecting the necessary signatures of support
- Waiting until Nomination Day (October 5, 2026, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
A prospective candidate is able to undertake campaign activities including accepting donations or incurring campaign expenses such as brochures, signs, etc. before officially filing their nomination papers as long as they are following the requirements of the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA). An Intent to Run form is available at the Brazeau County Office, or by contacting the returning officer at election@brazeau.ab.ca or 780-542-7777.
LAEA S. 147.22(1) No individual and no person acting for the individual shall accept a contribution or incur a campaign expense unless the individual has given written notice in accordance with this section.
(2) An individual who intends to be nominated or has been nominated to run for election in a local jurisdiction as a candidate must give written notice to the local jurisdiction in which the individual intends to be or has been nominated.
(3) A written notice under subsection (2) must include, in respect of the individual’s candidacy,
(a) the full name, address and contact information of the individual,
(b) the address of the place or places where records of the individual are maintained and
of the place to which communications may be addressed,
(c) the names and addresses of the financial institutions to be used by or on behalf of
the individual as depositories for campaign contributions made to that individual, and
(d) the names of the signing authorities for each depository referred to in clause (c).
The Local Authorities Election Act also sets out that once an individual has submitted their intent to run they are considered a candidate, even though their nomination papers (Form 4, Form 5, criminal record check) have not been filed with the returning officer. As per LAEA S 147.221 the municipality must keep a register of candidates that have provided notice and that register must be made publicly available on Brazeau County’s website. The register will remain online until December 31, 2026. As per the Act the mailing address and any other information determined by the returning officer that could compromise the safety of the candidate will be redacted from the public document.
It is a prospective candidate’s responsibility to be familiar with all requirements of the LAEA. Copies of the Act are available through Alberta King’s Printer https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-kings-printer