Candidates' FAQs
Who can run as a candidate?
You must be an eligible elector to be a candidate. You must file a completed nomination paper with the Returning Officer in the electoral district where you wish to participate. Nomination papers are available from Returning Officers when their offices are established at the start of the election period.
Do I have to live in the electoral district where I wish to run as a candidate?
No; an eligible elector may participate as a candidate in any electoral district.
When can I apply to be a candidate?
You must complete a nomination paper to be a candidate. Nomination papers are available from the Returning Officer in each electoral district at the start of the election period.
What are the requirements to be a candidate?
You must complete a nomination paper to be a candidate. Nomination papers are available from the Returning Officer in each electoral district at the start of the election period.
You must file a properly completed nomination paper with the Returning Officer by 2:00 PM on nomination day (Day 10 of the election period).
- It must include the signatures of 25 nominating electors who live in the electoral district where you wish to participate as a candidate.
- It must be accompanied by a $200 refundable nomination deposit in the form of cash, certified cheque, or money order.
- If you plan to be a candidate for one of the territory’s registered political parties, it must also be accompanied by a letter of endorsement from the party leader or designated party representative. If you plan to be an independent candidate, with no political party affiliation, no letter of endorsement is required.
- If you are ineligible to sit and vote in the Legislative Assembly, it must be accompanied by a Statement of Ineligibility (which is available from the Returning Officer).
You must appoint an Official Agent to manage the financial activities of the campaign. The Official Agent must consent to the appointment on the nomination paper.
Additional detail appears in the Information for Candidates guide, which can be viewed here. Returning Officers will provide all prospective candidates with a copy of the guides for Candidates and Official Agents.
Will my nomination deposit be refunded to me?
Your $200 nomination deposit will be refunded to you if your Election Financing Return is filed in accordance with the Elections Act. The Return must be filed within 90 days following the Return to the Writ after the election, unless an application for an extension is made. Details are available in the Guide for Official Agents: Campaign Finance Requirements. Returning Officers will provide all prospective candidates with a copy of the guide.
What would make me ineligible to be a candidate?
If you are ineligible to sit and vote in the Legislative Assembly of Yukon, you must file a Statement of Ineligibility with your nomination paper. You will be required to state that you will remove the grounds for ineligibility within 30 days of being declared elected.
Some of the reasons for ineligibility are found in sections 5 and 6 of the Legislative Assembly Act. It is the responsibility of each prospective candidate to determine whether he or she is ineligible; you are encouraged to seek legal advice if needed.
Can I file a nomination paper in more than one electoral district?
No; the Elections Act prohibits an elector from participating as a candidate in more than one electoral district.
Where can I get more information?
Additional detail appears in the Information for Candidates guide, which can be viewed here. Returning Officers will provide all prospective candidates with a copy of the guides prepared for Candidates and Official Agents.
For full legal authority, the Elections Act must be consulted.