Nomination Contests

Registered political parties must report nomination contest information to Elections BC for all contests, regardless of the number of contestants. All nomination contestants must submit financing reports, even if they withdrew from the contest, were acclaimed or were directly appointed.

Reporting Requirements for Political Parties

Parties must notify Elections BC of each nomination contest they hold by submitting the Nomination Contest Information form within 14 days of the end of a contest. The end date of the contest is either the date a nomination contestant is selected, or the date that the party announces who will be selected, whichever is earlier.

Note: If a nomination contestant is directly appointed as the endorsed candidate, a nomination contest has still occurred.

Nomination Contestants

Nomination contestants are individuals who seek to be a candidate representing a registered political party and have applied with the political party to participate in a nomination contest. The individual is a nomination contestant whether or not any other individual seeks that nomination. This includes those who are acclaimed or directly appointed.

Reporting Requirements for Nomination Contestants

Within 90 days of the end of the contest, all nomination contestants must submit a nomination contestant financing report. The end date of the contest is either the date the nomination contestant is selected, or the date that the party announces who will be selected, whichever is earlier.

Note: If the contest ends within 30 days before the start of the campaign period and the close of nominations for the election, the filing deadline is extended to 90 days after General Voting Day.

Appointing a Financial Agent

Nomination contestants may act as their own financial agent or appoint an individual to act as their financial agent. The financial agent may also appoint a deputy financial agent to help with accepting political contributions.

Nomination Contestant Bank Accounts

All financial transactions related to the nomination contest must go through a separate contest account. If the contestant has difficulties opening an account, Elections BC provides a letter that can be taken to a savings institution to explain this legislative requirement. If a nomination contestant does not receive any income and does not incur any expenses, then opening an account at a savings institution is not required.