Manitoba Stronger Together

Manitoba Stronger Together

Municipal Election 2026 – Candidate Eligibility FAQ

(Understanding Residency, Property Ownership, and Who Can Run for Office)

As we prepare for the October 28, 2026 Manitoba Municipal Elections, many prospective candidates have asked an important question:

Do I have to live in a municipality to run for office there?

The answer surprises many people — not necessarily.

Manitoba’s legislation allows both resident and non-resident property owners to run for municipal office, provided certain conditions are met.

✅ 1. Do I Have to Live in the Municipality to Run for Council?

No.

You do not have to physically reside in the municipality where you wish to run.

Under The Municipal Councils and School Boards Elections Act, a candidate must be a qualified voter in that municipality — and you can become a qualified voter either through:

• Residency OR

• Ownership of property there.

✅ 2. Can a Winnipeg Resident Run for Office in a Rural Municipality?

Yes — if they own property in that municipality.

Example:

• Your home is in Winnipeg (your primary residence).

• You own land or a cottage in the RM of St. Clements.

• You have owned that property long enough to meet eligibility timelines.

➡️ You may qualify to vote and run for office in St. Clements as a non-resident property owner.

✅ 3. What Makes Someone a “Qualified Voter” Without Living There?

You may qualify as a non-resident voter if you:

• Are a Canadian citizen

• Are 18 years of age or older

• Are a resident of Manitoba

• Are a registered owner of land in the municipality for at least six months before Election Day

This legal connection to the municipality gives you standing similar to that of a resident elector.

✅ 4. Does the Property Have to Be in My Personal Name?

Yes — generally speaking.

To qualify:

• Your name must appear on title as a registered owner.

• Property held only through a corporation may not qualify you personally.

• Always confirm ownership structure with the municipal office if unsure.

✅ 5. Do I Have to Pay Taxes There?

Property ownership normally carries municipal taxation, which reinforces your eligibility — but
eligibility is based on registered ownership, not simply paying taxes.

✅ 6. Must I Still Live in Manitoba?

Yes.

Even if you do not live in that municipality, you must:

• Be a resident of the Province of Manitoba.

You cannot run if you live permanently in another province or country.

✅ 7. How Long Must I Own the Property Before Running?

You must meet the qualification period:

At least six (6) months before Election Day
(For the 2026 election, this means ownership must generally be in place by late April 2026.)

✅ 8. Can I Run in More Than One Municipality?

No.

You may only run for office in one municipality and one position at a time.

✅ 9. Why Does Manitoba Allow Non-Resident Candidates?

Municipal governance historically recognizes that:

• Property owners contribute to the tax base

• They are affected by planning, zoning, drainage, and infrastructure decisions

• Rural municipalities often include:
  Farmers living nearby
  Cottage owners
  Business owners
  Multi-municipality landholders

The legislation reflects this reality by allowing representation tied to stakeholdership, not just mailing address.

✅ 10. Should I Confirm My Eligibility Before Filing Nomination Papers?

Absolutely.

While the law provides the framework, candidates should always:

✔ Speak with the Senior Election Official (SEO) or municipal CAO
✔ Confirm how your ownership is recorded on title
✔ Verify timelines and documentation required
✔ Ensure there are no technical disqualifications

✔ Key Takeaway

You do not have to live in a municipality to run for office there.

If you are:

• A Manitoba resident, and

• A registered landowner in that municipality for the required period,

➡️ You may legally run for council.

Manitoba Stronger Together Encourages Participation

One of MST’s goals is to help develop informed, capable local candidates who understand both:

• Their rights under Manitoba law, and

• Their responsibilities to represent their communities faithfully.

If you are considering running in 2026, we encourage you to begin preparing now through the MST Candidate Development resources.

Learn more:
👉 www.manitobastrongertogether.ca