Prospective candidates in Cochrane’s upcoming municipal election will need to allow more time to meet new nomination requirements, including a mandatory criminal record check.
The nomination deadline for town council is still two months away, but new rules introduced by the Alberta government mean the process will take longer to complete.
For the first time, candidates must submit a criminal record check along with their notice of intent and nomination paperwork to be eligible under the Local Authorities Election Act. The process is estimated to take about three weeks and must be completed before the noon nomination deadline on Sept. 22.
“Only candidates with fully filed nomination packages — including the criminal record check — are considered eligible,” said returning officer Jaylene Robertson. “If the check isn’t filed on time, the candidate won’t be accepted.”
As of now, four candidates have registered: two for mayor and two for councillor.
Mayor Jeff Genung is seeking a third term and currently has an opponent in Dean Hopkins. Town councillor Morgan Nagel has also announced his intention to run for mayor and plans to fully launch his campaign on Labour Day weekend.
Most of the current town councillors have indicated an interest in seeking re-election.
The criminal record check is required at the candidate’s own expense and can be completed at the Cochrane RCMP detachment, located at 12 Clydesdale Ave. According to the RCMP, the cost is $35, and the process typically takes three weeks or less.
The town is only permitted to redact the candidate’s address from the published criminal record check, which is typically posted to the town’s election website within one to two days of a candidate being registered.
All the paperwork required to run for office can be found on the town's election webpage. Hard copies are also available at the town administration office on the second floor of the RancheHouse, 101 RancheHouse Rd., or at The Station, 360 Railway St. W.
To ensure proper filing, all candidates must book an appointment with Robertson or a deputy returning officer. It is also now mandatory to file a notice of intent, even if it is submitted at the same time as the nomination papers.
"That way we can ensure all documentation is filed properly so candidates don’t have to return multiple times," said Robertson.
To make an appointment, call the town’s main reception line at 403-851-2500.
Unlike some municipalities and school divisions, Cochrane does not require a deposit to run for office. Council opted against it to avoid creating financial barriers for potential candidates.
Robertson encourages anyone considering a run for council to reach out for assistance in navigating the new process.
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A wealth of information for prospective candidates is also available on the Town of Cochrane election webpage, as well as the Alberta Municipal Affairs website.
Nineteen candidates ran in the 2021 municipal election, when all six councillors were re-elected. Genung ran unopposed for his second term as mayor.
Election day is Oct. 20. Advance polls are scheduled for Oct. 11, 14, 16 and 18.