2026 Municipal By-Election

Village of Donalda • Official Election Information

The Village of Donalda will hold a municipal by-election on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, to elect one Councillor to serve for the remainder of the current Council term. This page is the Village’s central source for official by-election information and will be updated as the election progresses.

Key Dates

Date Election Milestone
August 28, 2026 Nomination period begins
September 23, 2026 Nomination Day — nominations close at 12:00 noon
After September 23 Candidate and voting information published, if an election is required
October 21, 2026 Election Day
Following the election Official results and Councillor onboarding

Interested in Running for Council?

Serving as a Councillor is an opportunity to participate directly in decisions that shape the Village of Donalda. Prospective candidates are responsible for ensuring they meet all eligibility and filing requirements under Alberta’s Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA).

Candidate Information Package

The Village has prepared a 2026 Municipal By-Election Candidate Information Package covering candidate eligibility, nominations, Notice of Intent, campaign finance, key dates, the role of a Councillor, and post-election orientation.

Donalda 2026 By-Election Candidate Package

Alberta Municipal Election Forms

Alberta Municipal Elections — Candidate and Election Information

Running for Municipal Office

Nomination Information

The nomination period begins August 28, 2026. Nomination Day is Wednesday, September 23, 2026, and nominations close at 12:00 noon. Nomination papers must be submitted in the prescribed form. Under the LAEA, a nomination must be signed by at least five electors eligible to vote in the election and resident in the local jurisdiction on the date of signing, unless a greater number is required by bylaw.

Where to Submit Nomination Papers

Village of Donalda Municipal Office
5001 Main Street, Donalda, AB T0B 1H0
Returning Officer: Melanie Veale
Phone: 403-883-2345
Email: cao@village.donalda.ab.ca

Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the Returning Officer in advance to arrange submission of nomination documents.

Candidate Forms & Resources

  • Notice of Intent — required before a prospective candidate may undertake campaign finance activities under the current provincial process.
  • Form 4 — Nomination Paper and Candidate’s Acceptance.
  • Form 5 — Candidate Financial Information.
  • Village of Donalda Candidate Information Package — Village-specific dates and administrative guidance.

Candidates should use the current prescribed forms issued by Alberta Municipal Affairs. The provincial forms page should be treated as the authoritative source for current forms.

What Happens After Nominations Close?

If One Candidate Remains Nominated

If only one candidate remains nominated for the one available Councillor position, the candidate may be declared elected by acclamation in accordance with the LAEA.

If Two or More Candidates Remain Nominated

The by-election will proceed on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The Village will then publish the official candidate information, voting location and hours, voter identification requirements, and any authorized advance vote or special ballot information.

Information for Voters

Electors must meet the eligibility and identification requirements established by the LAEA. Detailed voting instructions will be posted on this page before Election Day. Residents should check the Village website and official notices before voting to confirm the voting location, hours and identification requirements.

Election Day

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Voting Location: To be announced
Voting Hours: To be announced

Why Is Donalda Holding a By-Election?

A vacancy occurred on Village Council during the current Council term. Council has established October 21, 2026 as the municipal by-election date to fill the vacant Councillor position and maintain elected representation in accordance with Alberta legislation.

Role of a Councillor

Councillors represent the interests of the municipality as a whole and participate in Council’s governance and decision-making responsibilities.

  • establish municipal policies and priorities;
  • adopt municipal bylaws;
  • consider and approve municipal budgets and service levels;
  • consider land-use and development matters;
  • participate in regional boards, commissions and partnerships; and
  • provide governance and strategic direction for the municipality.

Council provides governance and direction to the municipality as a whole. Municipal Administration, under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, implements Council decisions and manages municipal operations. Newly elected Councillors must also complete applicable legislated orientation and training.

Official Notices

Notice / Update Status
Notice of Nomination Day To be posted
Official Candidate List After nominations close
Notice of Election If an election is required
Voting Information To be posted before Election Day
Official Election Results Following Election Day

Statutory election notices will be issued by the Returning Officer in accordance with the LAEA. The Notice of Nomination Day must be published at least once a week in each of the two weeks before Nomination Day, unless the permitted direct-delivery alternative is used.

Questions?

Melanie Veale, Returning Officer
Village of Donalda
5001 Main Street, Donalda, AB T0B 1H0
403-883-2345
cao@village.donalda.ab.ca
www.village.donalda.ab.ca

IMPORTANT NOTICE
This webpage is intended to assist residents and prospective candidates and does not constitute legal advice. Candidates and electors are responsible for complying with the current Local Authorities Election Act and applicable regulations. If there is any inconsistency between Village information and provincial legislation, the legislation prevails.

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