Guide Candidates Information - Election 2020 - City of Warman
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Candidates Information Guide Election 2020 By Dawn Johnson July 2020
Candidates Information Guide
July 2020
TABLE
Of Introduction 4
Important Dates 5
CONTENTS Becoming An Elected Official 6
Responsibilities of Office 7
Qualifications of Candidates & Agents 8
Nominations 9
Candidates Profile 11
Campaigning 12
Advertising & Promotional Activities 13
Opportunities to Vote 14
Elections Day 15
Resources 17
1|PageCandidates Information Guide
July 2020
Introduction
Every four years, City of Warman voters decide who will represent their
interests and lead their community by electing members of their
municipal council and school boards. The Province of Saskatchewan sets
out common rules that all candidates and voters must follow; however,
municipalities are responsible for conducting elections for both city
council and school board trustees to their respective school boards.
As the COVID-19 situation continues and the outlook for fall yet
unpredictable, work is well underway as we prepare for Warman’s
Civic Election with all current public health protocols in mind. We
anticipate the ability to vote in person in the fall. The City will take every
precaution to ensure safe physical distancing and sanitizing measures
are in place.
Voting Safely - Is Our Priority Information
www.warman.ca
This resource is designed to assist all individuals interested in seeking
election or re-election to the office of municipal Council.
4|PageCandidates Information Guide
July 2020
Important Dates
ELECTION DAY
ELECTION DAY IS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH, 2020.
POLLING STATION WILL OPEN AT 8 A.M. AND CLOSE AT 8 P.M.
DATES TO NOTE
September 22nd, 2020 Nominations will be accepted at City Hall
October 7th, 2020 Call for Nominations submitted by 4 p.m.
October 8th, 2020 Withdrawal of Nomination by 4 p.m.
October 20, 2020 Candidates Information Forum -PSCC
October 21st, 2020 Second Call for Nominations (if Necessary)
October 28th, 2020 Advanced Poll - Brian King Centre
November 3rd, 2020 Advanced Poll - Brian King Centre
November 4th, 2020 Advanced Poll - Brian King Centre
November 16th 2020 Swearing in of our New Council
November 23rd, 2020 First Regular Meeting of Council
5|PageCandidates Information Guide
July 2020
BECOMING AN
ELECTED OFFICIAL
Why Run for Office
Becoming an elected member of Council is a challenging and rewarding
experience. As an elected official, you will have the opportunity to
influence the future of our community. People look to you to
represent their best interests and make informed decisions that will
benefit the municipality. You will be expected to represent the local
community and act on its behalf.
Any challenges to being an elected official are outweighed by the benefits
of being able to respond to the needs of our community in a way that
benefits all.
Time Commitment
As a member of Council there will be demands on your time, energy, and
commitment. In addition to regular meetings, you will be required to
attend special meetings, committee meetings and various public
meetings and functions. Many of these meetings take place during
typical daytime business hours throughout the week. As such you must
have significant flexibility with your employer if you plan to be employed
elsewhere during your term.
Term of Office
If elected as a member of council, you will be expected to serve a four‐
year term. Your term of office begins at the first meeting of the Council
following the general election and continues until the first meeting of the
Council following the next general election.
6|PageCandidates Information Guide
July 2020
RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICE
CITY COUNCIL
City Council consists of a mayor and 6 councillors. Through legislation, the Province of
Saskatchewan sets out the powers of municipal governments. All actions of city council must be
for one or more of the purposes set out in The Cities Act:
• to provide good government
• to provide services, facilities, and other things that, in the opinion of council, are necessary and
desirable for all or part of the city
• to develop and maintain a safe and viable community
• to foster economic, social, and environmental well-being
• to provide wise stewardship of public assets City Council is required to carry out its business in a
way that is transparent and ensures it is accountable to the people who elect it.
MAYOR
In addition to performing the general duties of a councillor, a mayor also
• presides when in attendance at a council meeting, unless any Act or a bylaw of council provides
that a councillor is to preside;
• performs any other duty imposed on a mayor by any Act or by bylaw or resolution;
• signs all bylaws, along with the city clerk, which city council passes as well as many contracts and
agreements the city enters into.
The mayor is a voting member of all committees and all bodies established by council under The
Cities Act, unless the council provides otherwise.
The mayor has an office at city hall along with support staff.
COUNCILLOR
General duties of Councillors are set out in The Cities Act:
• to represent the public and to consider the well-being and interests of the city
• to participate in developing and evaluating the policies, services, and programs of the city
• to participate in council meetings, council committee meetings, and meetings of other bodies to
which they are appointed by the council
• to ensure that administrative practices and procedures are in place to implement decisions of
council
• subject to bylaws, to keep in confidence matters discussed in private at a council or council
committee meeting until discussed at a meeting held in public
• to maintain the financial integrity of the city
• to perform any other duty or function imposed on councillors by any Act or by the council.
Councillors are considered part-time; however, the time commitment required is substantial.
Attendance is required at meetings which are often scheduled during regular daytime business
hours.
Councillors are provided with electronic devices and appropriate resources to conduct council
business during and after business hours.
7|PageCandidates Information Guide
July 2020
QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES AND
AGENTS
Am I Eligible? You may run for the office of municipal council:
• On the day of the election, you are the full age of 18 years or will attain the full age of 18
years on or before election day;
• At the time you submit the nomination papers, are a Canadian citizen and have resided
in Warman for at least three consecutive months immediately preceding the date on
which nomination papers are submitted and in Saskatchewan for at least six months
immediately preceding the date on which nomination papers are submitted; and
• Are not disqualified by The Local Government Election Act, 2015 or any other Act from
holding the office for which you are a candidate.
Who may not You may not run for the office of municipal council if you:
• Are a Judge of any court
run? • Are an auditor or solicitor of the municipality
No person is disqualified from being nominated for office as a member of Council by
reason of having an interest in a contract with the City.
(Refer to Sections 42, 43 & 44 of The Local Government Election Act, 2015.)
Employees Employees of the City of Warman may seek nomination to the council, if the
person has first obtained a leave of absence in accordance with subsection 2-54(1) of The
Saskatchewan Employment Act:
If an employee is required to take a leave of absence during their campaign, the leave of
absence must commence when the Candidate files their nomination paper with the
nomination officer. Candidates are expected to discuss these terms with their employer to
fully understand the leave of absence before submitting their nomination forms.
If an employee on leave of absence is successfully elected, the employee is deemed to
have resigned from their position on the day before he or she is declared elected, unless
the results of the election are overturned.
Candidates’ Candidates wishing to appoint agents must complete an Appointment of
Candidates’ Agent form for each agent. The agent must present the appointment form
Agents and make a declaration to the Deputy Returning Officer at the poll. Once the agent makes
the declaration, the agent is permitted to be at the poll in a location designated by the
Deputy Returning Officer so that he or she may observe the conduct of the election. An
agent is permitted to observe, but in no way interfere with the process of the election.
Candidates’ Agents should be made aware that Election Officials will be processing mail-in
ballots along with advanced poll ballots through the vote counting.
(Refer to Sections 103, 105, 134 and 172 of The Local Government Election Act, 2015.)
8|PageCandidates Information Guide
July 2020
NOMINATIONS
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
The Returning Officer will place a call for nominations in the
Clark’s Crossing Gazette on Thursday, September 10th, and
Thursday, September 17th, 2020.
NOMINATION PERIOD
Nomination papers may be filed September 22 to October
6, 2020 from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. with the Returning Officer
or Nomination Officer at City Hall.
CALL FOR NOMINATION DAY:
Nomination Day is Wednesday, October 7, 2020 – this is Wednesday, October 7th, 2020
the last day to submit nomination papers to become a
candidate. Applications will be accepted between 9 a.m.
and 4 p.m. on this day.
NOMINATION PAPERS
Nomination papers for candidates will be accepted for the
offices of
• For the position of Mayor, the application must be
signed by at least 5 voters of the Community.
• For the position of Councillor, the application must
be signed by at least 5 voters of the Community.
No person can be nominated as both Mayor and Councillor
of the same municipality.
Nomination Papers may be downloaded from the City’s
website or obtained from the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall.
The nomination paper must state the name and address of
the person nominated, as well as the name and address of
each nominator (minimum 5).
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July 2020
No nomination is valid unless the candidate’s acceptance of
nomination statement is signed by the candidate and
witnessed by two people.
The Nomination Forms must also include a completed
Public Disclosure Statement.
POSTING
All nomination papers filed with the Returning Officer or
designate are open to inspection by any person. Copies will
be posted in the foyer of City Hall, on www.warman.ca and
provided to anyone requesting a copy.
(Refer to Sections 67(8) & (9) of The Local Government Election Act, 2015.)
WITHDRAWAL
A person who has been nominated may withdraw their
nomination at any time during the nomination period, up to
the close of nominations. The requirement to withdraw is
for the Returning Officer to receive a written request to
withdraw signed by the nominee and witnessed by two
people, or the Returning Officer.
A request to withdraw a nomination must be filed with the
Returning Officer by 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2020
at Warman City Hall; 107 Central Street West.
NAME ORDER ON BALLOT
Names of all duly nominated candidates will be arranged in
alphabetical order by surnames on the ballot for the offices
of the mayor & councillor.
Candidate information printed on ballots will be based on
the information provided on the Candidate’s Acceptance
Form.
(Refer to Section 91 of The Local Government Elections Act, 2015.)
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July 2020
CANDIDATE PROFILES
Candidates have the option to submit a Candidates Profile, following the
submission of completed nomination papers and public disclosure
statement. Profiles are intended to promote a candidate’s policies and
priorities if elected. Profiles will be captured as submitted and published
on the city’s website and in the voter guide. Candidates choosing not to
upload a profile and/or photograph will have no further information
accompanying their name.
Profiles may include:
• a statement 150 words or less: profiles in excess will be reduced to end
at the last complete sentence or phrase within the 150-word limit.
• a head-and-shoulders photograph of the candidate: by submitting a
photo you agree to its use, as indicated in the election material.
• contact information (not included in the 150-word count) which includes
phone number, email, website address, social media address(es).
All content (profile, photo, social media links, etc.) must be submitted
electronically. Written submissions and printed photos will not be
accepted. The Returning Officer will not edit profiles for spelling,
grammar, or other obvious errors. Profiles must be free of vulgar
language, hate speech, and defamatory remarks. The Returning Officer
retains the right to decide whether or not to accept the submission.
If a candidate statement or photograph, in the sole opinion of the Returning Officer, does not
reasonably comply with the criteria above, or is otherwise unsuitable for publication, the
Returning Officer will request that a candidate re-submit profile information. The candidate will
have 2 business days to re-submit the profile information to the satisfaction of the Returning
Officer.
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July 2020
CAMPAIGNING
CANVASSING
Canvassing at polling places is strictly prohibited. This includes communicating with a person intending
to vote. (Refer to Section 176 of The Local Government Elections Act, 2015)
Social Media
Candidates are prohibited from campaigning on City of Warman’s social media channels, such as
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Candidates may create their own social media channels for this purpose. If you wish to provide the
Returning Officer with your social media URLs, links to them will be provided on your candidate profile
on the city’s website.
Voters List
In Warman, a voter’s list does not exist for the Municipal/School Board election. Eligible voters are
required to make a declaration at the polls
Who Can Vote?
A voter must vote in the city in which they reside; or must be the owner of assessable land situated in the
municipality.
A person can be registered as a voter in a municipality or school division if she/he:
• is a Canadian citizen on the day of the election
• is the full age of 18 years on the day of the election
on the day of the election:
• in the case of a municipality, other than a resort village:
• has resided in the municipality or on land now in the municipality for at least three consecutive months
immediately preceding the day of the election or
• is the owner of assessable land situated in the municipality or of land now situated in the municipality for at
least three consecutive months immediately preceding the day of the election
• and has resided in Saskatchewan for at least six consecutive months immediately preceding the day of the
election. (Refer to Section 36 of The Local Government Elections Act, 2015)
Voter Identification
Voters are required to produce identification that clearly shows their name and place of residence prior
to completing a voter’s declaration form. (Refer to Section 110 of The Local Government Elections Act, 2015.)
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July 2020
ADVERTISING AND
PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVERTISING
Every printed advertisement, other than those provided for under this Act, having
reference to an election or a vote on a bylaw or question shall bear on its face the name
of the candidate and of the person who has authorized its printing, display and
distribution.
No advertisement or promotional material, printed or electronic, are to have any of the
following artwork/branding included on them:
• the City of Warman Election branding or logo
• the City of Warman logo
No person shall display, distribute or post in the polling place or within 100 metres of the
building in which the poll is held a specimen ballot marked for a person whose name is
on the ballot for election, or any other material purporting to explain how to vote, or
leave any such material in a voting compartment, except as provided by The Local
Government Election Act, 2015.
(Refer to Sections 182, 176 & 177 of The Local Government Elections Act, 2015 and Bylaw 9881.)
At Polls
No candidate, agent or any other person shall:
• canvas or solicit votes in the polling place or within 100 metres of the building where
the poll is held
• make any communication to a person intending to vote other than through the Deputy
Returning Officer. No person shall directly or indirectly induce a person to display their
ballot in a manner that reveals how they have voted.
Signs Prohibited
Election signs cannot be placed on:
• City land which is used as a park and/or has upgraded landscaping including public
reserves, buffer strips or portions of street right-of way
• private lots or parcels owned and managed by the City
• any City structure, including buildings, fences, retaining walls, utility poles and traffic
signal equipment.
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July 2020
OPPORTUNITIES TO VOTE
Advance Polls
Shall be held at the following locations to allow voters to vote prior to Election Day:
Date: Time: Poll Name: Poll Address:
Wed. October 28th, 2020 1:00 P.M.- 4:00 P.M. Brian King Centre 202 8th Ave. N
Tues. November 3rd, 2020 3:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M Brian King Centre 202 8th Ave. N
Wed. November 4th, 2020 3:00 P.M. -8:00 P.M. Brian King Centre 202 8th Ave. N
Regular Poll
Regular Poll will take place on Monday, November 9th, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the
Legend Centre Located at 701 Centennial Blvd.
Mail- In Ballot
Please refer to the city of Warman website to learn more about the mail-in ballot process.
www.warman.ca
(Refer to Section 30 & 83 of The Local Government Elections Act, 2015.)
x x x
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July 2020
ELECTION DAY
Candidates and Candidate’s Agents at the Poll
Prior to opening the poll, a register tape is printed from the vote
counting unit to indicate there are no votes registered for any of
the candidates, bylaws or questions. The candidate or candidate’s
agent may be present to witness the printing of the register tape
from the vote counting unit and may request a copy of the register
tape.
Challenging a Voter
During the time the polls are open, a candidate or candidate’s
agent may object to the entitlement of any person intending to
vote. If the agent believes that the voter is not entitled to vote and
objects, the Deputy Returning Officer will re-confirm the
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will be noted on the registration
form, the name of the agent raising the objection will be noted and
the entry will be initialed by the Deputy Returning Officer.
Should the voter indicate that he or she made a mistake in
completing the registration form and is not entitled to vote, the
information will be noted on the registration/poll book form and
the voter will not be issued any ballots and will forfeit the right to
vote
Ballots may only be handled by Deputy Returning Officers. There
is no instance in which it would be acceptable for a candidate or
agent to touch a ballot during an election other than when casting
their own vote.
15 | P a g eCandidates Information Guide
July 2020
After Voting Hours
The City is using automated vote counting equipment. Doing so allows for quick
counting of ballots, as they are not counted by hand; therefore, candidates and
their agents cannot observe ballot counting. They can, however, observe all of
the election official’s activities, which include generating the register tape and
printing the statement of results from the vote counting unit. A copy of this
statement shall be given to any candidate or agent, upon request.
Mail-In Ballots
Candidates or their agents may inspect voter’s registration forms, declarations
of persons requesting mail-in ballots, and voter confirmation envelopes and
certificates at the election office during normal business hours, starting on the
day following nomination day and ending at the close of polls on Election Day.
Media broadcasts election results from City Hall after the close of polls on
Election Day. In the past, candidates and the public have been welcome
to come to City Hall to follow the election results. This will be monitored
in light of COVID-19 and a decision made at a later date if this will occur
for the 2020 results.
Results
Unofficial results will be broadcast at City Hall, following the close of the
polls at 8:00 pm on election night, November 9, 2020.
Live results will also be posted on the City’s website.
Official results will be formally declared by the Returning Officer on
November 13, 2020 at 11:00 am, City Clerk’s Office, City Hall. Results will
be posted on the City’s website.
Recount of Ballots
Subject to requirements of the LGEA, after the Returning Officer has
declared the official results of a vote, any voter or candidate in the
municipality or school division may request a recount by delivering to the
Returning Officer, within 10 business days after the declaration of the
results of the vote, a notice in the prescribed form requesting a recount.
(Refer to Sections 158, 159, 160, 161, 166 and 167 of The Local Government Elections
Act, 2015.)
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July 2020
RESOURCES
The information contained in this resource is general in nature and has been
prepared as a reference for candidates but should not be considered all
encompassing. Providing this resource does not relieve candidates from the
responsibilities of complying with all statutory provisions, for which
candidates should refer to:
• The Local Government Election Regulations, 2015
• Local Government Election Act, 2015 (L-30.11)
• The Cities Act
• Government Relations, Government of
Saskatchewan
• Municipalities of Saskatchewan
• Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
• Bylaw 2018-07 Code of Ethics Bylaw
• Bylaw 2018-02 The Procedure Bylaw
• Voter Identification- TABLE1
If you have any questions about the information in this guide or you
would like more details about municipal elections, please contact:
The Office of the City Clerk at Warman City Hall located at 107 Central
Street West.
Dawn Johnson
City Clerk/ Returning Officer
Office: (306)385-2331
Cell: (306)886-7766
Email: dawnj@warman.ca
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