Municipal Election Questions and Answers
Thinking of running for Council?
The next election in Morden will be in 2010. Residents will have the opportunity to vote for a Mayor and six Councillors.
Do I meet the requirements?
To become a candidate, you must:
- be at least 18 years of age on election day
- be a Canadian citizen
- have lived in Morden for the six months preceding election day
- have not been disqualified from running under The Municipal Act, or any other Act
You are not qualified to run if you:
- are an employee, other than the Chief Administrative Officer, of the Town of Morden (unless you are granted a leave of absence)
- are a judge of the Court of Queen’s Bench or the Court of Appeal
- are a provincial judge or justice of the peace
- are a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba or the Senate or House of Commons of Canada
- are a sitting member or are nominated for office in another municipality or school division
- have been disqualified from running under The Municipal Act or any other Act
How can I be nominated?
- nomination forms will be available at Town Hall beginning in August of 2010.
- once you pick up the form, you will require at least 25 signatures from people eligible to vote in the Morden election.
- completed nomination forms must be submitted, in person, at Morden Town Office. The dates for acceptance of these forms will be outlined in the local paper nearer to the date of the election.
When can I start campaigning?
You are not considered a candidate until the Town of Morden office has accepted your nomination form by dates specified in The Municipal Councils and School Boards Election Act.
How long is the term?
The Mayor and Councillors serve four-year terms. The 2010 council will be sworn in shortly after the election in 2010 and remain in place until the fourth Monday of October, 2014.
Do I have the time to be on Council?
The demands on your time will be heavy. You will be required to attend:
- regular meetings of Council
- meetings of any committees, boards and agencies to which you are appointed as Council’s representative
- conferences, conventions, seminars and workshops
- social and other events promoting Morden
You will also spend time preparing for meetings, meeting with the CAO, and talking with residents. Morden is a small town – Mayor and Councillors find they are never “off duty” – even when grocery shopping!
Can I change the world?
Yes and no. As an individual member of council:
- you will have an opportunity to significantly influence Morden’s future. This opportunity will depend on your ideas and visions and ensuring that the majority of Council is on side with your visions. All Council decisions are made at meetings open to the public.
- you will not have the opportunity to commit the Town to expenditures, nor will you personally be able to direct the activities of Town employees. Any promise you make during your campaign that involves these things can only be carried out if you convince a majority of Council that it is a good idea.
Will I be paid a salary?
Yes, the Mayor’s indemnity is $ 19,800 per year, and Councillors receive $ 13,200 per year.
More information will be available as we get closer to 2010. In the meantime, you can direct your questions to tmorden@mordenmb.com or 204-822-4434.