Political parties need to choose candidates to run in an election. As soon as election writs are issued, each party must decide who will be its candidate for each riding. A candidate can also run for election without being affiliated with a party, as either “independent” or “no affiliation.”
The right to run in a federal election is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
What are the basic requirements to become a candidate?
- You must be a Canadian citizen.
- You must be at least 18 years old on election day.
- You must not be:
- a person who is not qualified as an elector;
- a member of the legislative assembly of a province or territory;
- the Chief Electoral Officer;
- a judge appointed by the Governor in Council (the governor general acting on the advice of Cabinet);
- an election officer; or
- a person who is imprisoned in a correctional institution.
- You must submit either a Nomination Paper or an online nomination form to Elections Canada.
Did you know? Party affiliation (i.e. party name) was included on ballots in 1970.