The Local Authorities Election Act outlines all the rules you need to follow for campaign expenses and contributions.
Part 5.1 of the Elections Act gives more details not covered in the candidate guide such as fundraising functions, campaign surplus/deficit, penalties for breaching campaign expense and disclosure requirements, etc.
Understanding these regulations is essential for a successful campaign. We've highlighted some key points to keep in mind as you prepare for the 2025 municipal election.
Campaign contributions
Every great campaign starts with a plan—and raising funds is a big part of it! Whether you’re printing signs, or organizing events, you’ll need the resources to make it happen. Knowing the rules about contributions is key to staying on track.
Here are the basics:
- You can't accept contributions until your nomination papers are filed (Jan. 1 2025)
- Exceptions: Before filing, you can contribute up to $10,000 of your own money annually and accept up to $5,000 per year from anyone living in Alberta
Other important rules:
- A candidate may contribute up to and including $10,000 to their campaign (this amount cannot be reimbursed at the end of the campaign period)
- A candidate may accept contributions of up to $5,000 from any person who is ordinarily a resident of Alberta
- A candidate cannot accept contributions from anonymous parties. If you can’t find the donor, the funds must be donated to a registered charity or to the local jurisdiction
- Candidates (or those acting on their behalf) are not allowed to directly or indirectly solicit contributions if it is known or ought to be known that the potential contributor:
- does not ordinarily reside in Alberta
- is a prohibited organization, including a corporation or unincorporated organization
- will exceed the contribution limits
Keeping track of contributions is essential to staying compliant. Whether it’s $10 or $5,000, every dollar matters—and so does following the rules.
Campaign expenses
Once your contributions (including your own funds) reach $1,000, you’ll need to open a bank account in your name or your campaign’s name. This account ensures all campaign money is tracked and only used for expenses.
A few key points about expenses:
- Contributions of real property, personal property, goods and services must be assigned a dollar value
- Keep receipts for every contribution and expense; If a contribution is $50 or more, record the name and address of the person contributing to your campaign
- Hold onto receipts for a minimum of three years following the date disclosure agreements are required to be filed (need date)
Advertising rules
Advertising is a key part of any campaign, but there are some important rules to keep in mind. These rules ensure fair competition and keep our community safe and tidy during election season.
Candidates may use a variety of media to promote their candidacy, within limits set by the Local Authorities Election Act and Cochrane bylaws (Town of Cochrane Election Bylaw & Land Use Bylaw):
- no advertising allowed inside or outside a building used as a polling station
- campaign signs on private property are fine - with the owner's permission
- avoid putting campaign signs on public property
- no campaign signs are allowed on centre meridians on Quigley Drive, Fifth Avenue and Railway, Fifth Avenue and Griffin Road
- signs can't go up within 10 m of traffic control devices (stop signs, yield signs, etc) and within 10m of crosswalks
- all campaign literature must be removed by 8pm Wednesday October 22, 2025 (48 hours after the election)
Submit your statement
After the election, you'll need to submit your disclosure statement. The deadline to submit your disclosure statement is X. Failure to submit on time will result in a $500 filing fee. Submit your statement in person at the RancheHouse during our hours of operation to the Returning Officer or delegate.