What is a Municipal Election?

A municipal or local election is an election that takes place at the city, town, or county level to allow residents to choose their local government leaders and representatives. In the Village of Ryley, the municipal election involves voting for five Councillors, one of which will become Mayor. A councillor acts as Mayor in accordance with a nomination and selection process, which occurs at the Organizational Meeting held after the election during an election year, and annually at the organizational meeting held in non-election years.

Key Points:

• Purpose: Local elections determine who will represent the community in making decisions about local issues, such as infrastructure, community services, development, and budgets.
• Timing: In Alberta they are held every four years.
• Voters: Eligible residents of the municipality are encouraged to participate in these elections.
• Impact: Decisions made by local governments directly influence day-to-day life, such as road maintenance, parks, and public safety.

Municipal elections are essential for grassroots democracy, as they allow residents to have a direct say in how their communities are run.

Candidate Information

The information within this section provides a brief introduction of the requirements for running for office in the Village of Ryley. Candidates are responsible for understanding all legislation concerning elections, including nomination, eligibility, campaigning restrictions, campaign finance and disclosure, election offences and prohibitions at voting stations.

If you are thinking of running for council, please take a moment to review the Candidate Information and Nomination Package. This comprehensive guide provides all the details on what’s required and how to navigate the process of running for Council.

Candidate Eligibility:
You are eligible to run in the 2025 municipal election if you are:

• at least 18 years of age,
• a Canadian citizen,
• a resident of the Village of Ryley for the six (6) consecutive months before nomination day, and
• not otherwise ineligible or disqualified under the Local Authorities Election Act.

How to submit an application:
Nominations for Councillors must be delivered in person, accompanied by a $100 nomination fee, and accepted/signed by the Municipal Returning Officer no later than 12:00 p.m. noon on September 22, 2025 at the Ryley Municipal Office. No nominations can be accepted after that time so please submit your papers and payment as soon as you can to avoid this deadline.
NOTE: If you wish to begin campaigning before submitting your nomination forms, you must complete the Notice of Intent form. This form can be submitted at any time before or alongside your nomination package.

Notice of Intent (Online)
Notice of Intent (PDF Download)
Nomination Forms and Instructions

Once completed:
Submit your Notice of Intent and Nomination Forms to the Returning Officer, Rachelle Bonneteau, at the Village of Ryley Office.
If submitting before September 22, 2025, please book an appointment by emailing ryleyelections@gmail.com.

Candidate Resources:
There is a webinar hosted by the Association of Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis); Municipal Election Webinar – Rural Municipalities, that would be beneficial for Candidates to attend. You can view the webinar dates and details at ABmunis Events.

There will be Candidate Orientation Sessions across three locations in Beaver County on August 5-7th.

Alberta Municipalities and Rural Municipalities of Alberta have partnered on an awareness campaign for prospective candidates for the upcoming general election:
Alberta Municipalities
Rural Municipalities of Alberta

The Provincial Government has put together some helpful videos offering valuable insights into what it means to serve on Council and the election process:
Video Resources for Prospective Candidates

Additional Resources:
Alberta Government Candidate’s Guide
Alberta Government Council Member’s Handbook
Alberta Government Roles and Responsibilities of Municipal Officials
Alberta Government Pecuniary and Conflict of Interest for Councillors
Government of Canada Employees
Election Signs
Note: When placing signs within the Village, please consult the Land Use Bylaw Section 62
Municipal Elections Overview
Municipal Government Act
Local Authorities Election Act
Municipal Election Forms
Form 4: Nomination Paper and Candidate’s Acceptance
Form 5: Candidate Financial Information
Form 16: Statement of Scrutineer or Official Agent
Form 26: Campaign Disclosure Statement and Financial Statement
Release of Candidate’s Information Form
Release of Official Agent Form

Relevant Bylaws:
Municipal Election Candidates Deposit Bylaw

Voter Information

Alberta municipalities are required to establish a Permanent Elector Register and use the Register of Electors from Elections Alberta as a foundation. The Provincial Register will be used to create a List of Electors for municipal elections.

As in past elections, Form 13 – Electors Register will be available at voting stations for individuals to complete who are not already listed on the Register. Please note that anyone who completes this form on Election Day will automatically be added to the Permanent Elector Register with Elections Alberta.

To register in advance, or check if you are already registered: Elections Alberta.
To check what information you need to provide to vote, please visit: Voter Identification Requirements.

Important Dates