New rules for municipal elections in effect

New rules for municipal election candidates came into effect on New Years Day, thereby opening a new extended nomination period and financing rules.

The Medicine Hat city clerk’s office announced that information for those seeking local office or terms on local school boards is now available on its website.

That means candidates can submit nomination papers at any time from Jan. 1 to the deadline on Sept. 20 ahead of the Oct. 18 vote.

That must be done before candidates can accept donations, or spend any campaign funds, but candidates are no longer required to submit any financial documentation until after the election.

The provincial government brought in changes swiftly last fall, after announcing the changes in June.

They eliminate a cap of donations by any individual, though donations to any specific candidate are capped at $5,000.

A financing limit on self-funded campaigns was doubled to $10,000.

Candidates will no longer be required to disclose any financial information to returning officers prior to the election day.

Any post-election surplus above $1,000 must be donated to a registered charity. Campaigns that raise or spend more than $50,000 must have statements professionally audited prior to submission.

Medicine Hatters will also vote for trustees to the Medicine Hat Public School Division board and Catholic Board of Education. Voters throughout Southeastern Alberta including Redcliff elect trustees to the regional Prairie Rose School Division as well as civic officials to respective county or town councils.