Candidate Resources
Interested in running for local office? Read the candidate nomination packages for details on the nomination process, key legal requirements and the forms needed to submit an application.
Anyone considering running for office or nominating someone to run in the 2026 Coquitlam General Local Election is encouraged to read the package carefully.
Nomination Packages
- Mayor and Councillor Nomination Package (PDF)
Note: Additional nominator page added to meet nominator threshold - School Trustee Nomination Package (PDF)
Candidates must submit nomination packages to the Chief Election Officer in person (recommended) or by email between 9 a.m. on September 1 to 4 p.m. on September 11. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Important Dates
- January 1, 2026 — Election period begins
- July 20 — Pre-campaign period begins
- September 1 — Nomination period begins at 9 a.m.
- September 11 — Nomination period closes at 4 p.m.
- September 19 — Campaign period begins
- October 17 — General Voting Day
- January 15, 2027 — Deadline to file campaign financing disclosure statements
- February 16 — Deadline for late filing of campaign financing disclosure statements ($500 fee)
Candidate Eligibility
To be eligible to run as a candidate, you must meet the following criteria at the time of nomination:
- 18 years or older on general voting day
- Canadian citizen
- Resident of B.C. for at least six months prior to filing nomination documents
- Not disqualified by any act or law from voting in British Columbia or from being nominated for, elected to or holding office, or be otherwise disqualified by law
The City of Coquitlam’s Election Administration and Procedures Bylaw No. 5069, 2021, sets out regulations pertaining to Election Signs.
Election signs are not permitted to be erected more than 21 days before General Voting Day (September 26, 2026) and must be removed within 4 days after the election (October 21, 2026). Election signs in violation of Election Administration and Procedures Bylaw No. 5069, 2021 are subject to removal at the candidates’ expense.
Due to ongoing Metro Vancouver projects, the Chief Election Officer is hereby providing notice that election signs are restricted and therefore may not be posted at the southwest corner of Mariner Way and Dewdney Trunk Road and the southwest corner of Lougheed Highway and Dewdney Trunk Road (at Sharpe Street) for the 2026 General Local Election. These are locations #6 and #7 as listed in Schedule B of the Election Administration and Procedures Bylaw No. 5069, 2021.
Further, election signs erected at the east side of Chilko Drive: Riverview Crescent to Kalamalka Drive will need to be removed prior to 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as this location is within 100 metres of the Riverview Elementary School voting location.
Amended Maps of Permitted Locations for the Posting of Election Signs on Public Property (PDF)
To report election sign violations or complaints, please contact Bylaw Enforcement. For general inquiries regarding election signs, please contact the Election Office.
For questions on campaign financing rules related to campaign advertising, please contact Elections BC.
For Mayoral and Councillor Candidates
- Candidate Handbook (PDF)
- Elector Organization Annual Financial Report Completion (PDF)
- Expense Limits for the 2026 General Local Election
- Guide to Campaign Financing for Elector Organizations and Financial Agents in B.C. (PDF)
- Guide to Elector Organization Registration and Deregistration (PDF)
- Nomination Package - Mayor and Councillor (PDF)
- Use of City Resources and Facilities for Political Activity Policy (PDF)
For School Trustee Candidates
- British Columbia School Trustees Association – British Columbia School Trustee Candidate Guide (PDF)
- Nomination Package - School Trustee (PDF)
- School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) – Board of Education
- School District No. 43 – Trustee Candidate Information Session
- School District No. 43 – Trustee Information
- School Trustee Election Procedures