The Local Authorities Election Act applies to third party advertising in municipal elections
New rules are in effect and Candidates and Third Party Advertisers are responsible to ensure compliance with the legislation. Local Authorities Election Act - Part 5.1 (Section 147.1 to 147.96) and Part 8 (Section 162 to 188.1)
- Form 26 – Candidate Disclosure and Financial Statement
- Third party advertising guidelines for local elections in Alberta
| Registration of third parties 163(1) Subject to subsection (1.3), a third party shall apply for registration in a local jurisdiction under this section (a) When it has incurred expenses of at least $1000 or plans to incur advertising expenses of at least $1000 for election advertising, or (b) when it has accepted advertising contributions of at least $1000 or plans to accept advertising contributions of at least $1000. |
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Once a notice of intent form is accepted as complete by the local jurisdiction, an individual is allowed to be a candidate, accept contributions, or incur campaign expenses according to the rules set out in the Local Authorities Election Act and the Expense Limits regulation.
Campaign Expenses
Candidates are not required to open a dedicated campaign bank account unless their contributions (including self-funded) exceed $1,000.
The Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) requires all candidates to open a bank account once they exceed $1,000 in total contributions. This includes monetary contributions made by the candidate for their own campaign. Again, if a candidate’s contributions do not exceed $1,000, they are not required to open a campaign bank account.
For more information on election rules visit Municipal Affairs' Election web page which includes an updated Candidate's Guide for Running for Local Office in Alberta. Contact Municipal Affairs by email if you have any questions.
