General Local Election
Salmon Arm’s next General Local Election will take place on October 17, 2026.
At that time, eligible voters for the City of Salmon Arm will elect:
- One (1) Mayor;
- Six (6) Councillors; and
- Two (2) School Trustees for School District 83
The Mayor, Councillors and School Trustees will serve a four-year term from 2026 to 2030.
General local elections are the most direct way for the public to influence their local government and school district by determining the individuals who then make decisions and govern on their behalf following general voting day.
Visit the Elections BC website for important information about campaign contributions, advertising rules, key dates and more at elections.bc.ca
To be eligible to run for local government office in a general local election or a by-election, a person must have been a resident of B.C. at least six months immediately before filing their nomination documents. They do not have to live or own property in the area where they are running for office. Nomination period begins at 9:00 am on September 1, 2026 and ends at 4:00pm on September 11, 2026.
In addition, a person must:
- Be 18 years of age or older on General Voting Day;
- Be a Canadian citizen; and
- Not be disqualified by the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election in B.C. or from being nominated for, being elected to or holding office, or be otherwise disqualified by law.
Please note that:
- If you currently work for the City of Salmon Arm or School District #83, you must take a leave of absence before being nominated.
- Federal Government employees must apply to the Public Service Commission for permission to run in the election.
- At least two qualified City of Salmon Arm electors must nominate you in accordance with the Local Government Act.
Key Dates:
- Pre-campaign period (advertising rules apply): July 19, 2026
- Candidate Nomination Package Available: August 4, 2026
- Nomination Period: September 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. To September 11, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
- Candidate Information Session: Information will be available here soon.
Nomination Packages
Nomination packages will be available for in-person pickup at City Hall during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) beginning August 4, 2026 or by email. Send a request for a nomination package to election@salmonarm.ca.
The Nomination Period starts at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 1, 2026 to 4:00 p.m., Friday, September 11, 2026. Nomination documents will be received by the Chief Election Officer or their designate during this time. It is recommended that candidates schedule an appointment to submit nomination documents. Contact the Chief Election Officer at 250-803-4036 to book your appointment.
Learn more about eligibility and specifics of running for local office on the BC Government Running for Local Office webpage.
Provincial Information on Running for Office The Province of BC has made the following resources available to help inform and guide individuals who are considering running for local office:
- Thinking of Running for Local Office?
- Basics of Local Elections (video series)
- Being an Effective Elected Official (video series)
- Role of Elected Officials (video series)
- Running for Local Office
- Elections BC - Handbook for Local Candidates (pdf)
Questions? Email: election@salmonarm.ca