Information for Candidates

School trustees play a vital role in shaping public education in our community. If you are considering running for office in the upcoming election on October 28, 2026, please utilize the essential resources and review the registration deadlines below.

HSD Candidate Information Package

Prospective candidates are highly encouraged to review these official guides prepared by the Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA):

  • Learn more about the 2026 Manitoba School Trustee Elections and the role of a school trustee:
  • The Core Handbook: – Essential reading on the governance structure, legal roles, and ethical obligations of a Manitoba school trustee.
  • MSBA Information Session: Watch the recorded .Review answers to from the sessions.

New Requirement
Pre-Campaign Registration

Anyone intending to run for municipal office must register with the SEO before accepting contributions, incurring expenses, raising funds, or borrowing money for their campaign.

NOTICE OF REGISTRATION OF PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATE FOR SCHOOL TRUSTEE ELECTION

Please be advised that a general municipal election will be held on October 28, 2026.

Prospective School Board Trustee candidates must register with the Senior Election Official (SEO) during the registration period before they may begin to accept contributions, incur expenses, fundraise, or borrow money for their campaign.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT I will be receiving candidate registrations:

Between June 30, 2026, and September 22, 2026.

At the 51Թ office, by appointment only.

To make a registration appointment contact the SEO at election@hsd.ca

2026 Candidate Timeline & Deadlines

1. Candidate Registration Period

June 30 – September 22, 2026

Book an appointment with the SEO to register. Official info packages are provided upon registration. Once registered, you enter the campaign period and may begin financial campaign activities.

2. Nomination Filing Period

Notice of Nominations (PDF)

September 16 – September 22, 2026

Filing nomination papers places your name on the ballot. This requires a signed Criminal Offence Disclosure and a minimum of 25 signatures from eligible voters residing within the specific ward you are contesting.

Papers are accepted at the HSD Office Sept 16, 17, 18, 21, and 22 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

3. Withdrawal Deadline

September 23, 2026 (by 4:00 PM)

Candidates may officially withdraw their nomination in writing to the SEO until 24 hours after the nomination period closes, provided enough candidates remain to fill vacancies.

4. Acclamation or Notice of Election

September 24, 2026

If seats are uncontested, individuals are declared elected by acclamation. If seats are contested, the official Notice of Election and polling locations will be published.

Campaigning and Finance Rules

  • Contributions: Only residents of Manitoba may contribute. Individual contributions are capped at $1,500. Anonymous donations must be turned over to the SEO immediately.
  • Self-Funding: A candidate may contribute a maximum of $7,500 to their own campaign.
  • Expenses: Candidates cannot run a deficit; expenses must not exceed total contributions.
  • Finance Statements: All registered candidates (including those who are unsuccessful or acclaimed) must file an Election Finance Statement with the secretary-treasurer within 30 days after the campaign period ends.
  • Surplus Funds: Any surplus must be turned over to the school division to be held in trust for the candidate’s next election campaign.

Candidate Qualifications & Eligibility

To qualify as a candidate for the Board of Trustees, an individual must meet the following criteria as of Election Day:

  1. Citizenship & Age: Must be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years of age.
  2. Residency: Must be an actual resident of the school division and have resided there for at least six months prior to Election Day. Non-resident property owners are not eligible to run.
  3. Ward Rules: You do not need to live in the specific ward you wish to represent, provided you reside somewhere within the school division boundaries. However, your nomination signatures must come from residents of that specific ward.
  4. Voter Status: Must be a qualified voter of the division and not subject to disqualification under The Public 51Թ Act or The Municipal Councils and School Boards Elections Act.
Disqualifications & Employment Rules
  • Elected Officials: Members of the Legislative Assembly, Senate, or House of Commons are disqualified. Candidates cannot hold or run for more than one local elected office simultaneously.
  • Students: Regular pupils attending a school within the 51Թ are ineligible.
  • School 51Թ Employees: Employees or teachers of HSD may run, but must take an official leave of absence from their job in order to serve if elected.
  • Spouses of Employees: Spouses of division staff are eligible to run, but the trustee must recuse themselves from board votes involving their spouse’s salary, benefits, or contract negotiations.