NANAIMO ELECTIONS What You Need To Know

 

NANAIMO ELECTION 2026 — DATES TO KNOW

Nanaimo voters will elect a mayor and eight city councillors on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

• Right now: People may announce that they intend to run and begin campaigning. Until nomination papers are accepted, they are prospective or announced candidates—not officially nominated candidates.
• September 1 at 9:00 a.m.: Candidate nominations officially open.
• September 11 at 4:00 p.m.: Nominations close. The City then publishes its list of declared candidates.
• September 17: Election signs may first be displayed on Nanaimo public and private property, subject to City rules.
• September 18 at 4:00 p.m.: Deadline for a declared candidate to withdraw.
• September 19: The formal campaign period begins. Election signs may also be placed on permitted provincial rights-of-way.
• October 17: General Voting Day and the end of the campaign period.

CAN SOMEONE CAMPAIGN BEFORE NOMINATIONS OPEN?

Yes. A prospective candidate may distribute flyers, canvass, use social media, hold meetings and purchase advertising before filing nomination papers.

However, campaign advertising must comply with Elections BC requirements. This includes the proper authorization statement and the recording and disclosure of applicable campaign income and expenses.

Physical election signs are treated separately and cannot be posted before the permitted signage dates.

WHEN WILL WE KNOW WHO IS OFFICIALLY RUNNING?

The first official list will be available after nominations close on September 11. The field should be considered final after the withdrawal deadline of September 18.

Until then, anyone saying they are running has announced an intention to run—but has not necessarily completed or qualified through the official nomination process.

Election Day: Saturday, October 17, 2026.