The Nomination Period

The five-day nomination period begins when the writs of election have been issued by the Chief Electoral Officer. The writs are issued 29 days before polling day.

Any eligible person who is interested in becoming a Candidate can download the Nomination Paper (form 2010) from electionsnwt.ca or obtain one from their Returning Officer.

Nomination Papers

Until a Nomination Paper is accepted by the appropriate election officer, a prospective Candidate is called a Nomination Contestant.

The Nomination Paper must be submitted in person by the Nomination Contestant or their Official Agent to the Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officer, or Additional Assistant Returning Officer in the district in which the contestant wishes to be a Candidate. Nomination Papers are not accepted by email, fax, or courier.

Ensure parts 1 through 4 of the Nomination Paper are fully completed before submitting them to the Returning Officer.

Candidate Photo

Nomination Contestants have the option to submit a photo to be printed on the ballot.

The photo must have been taken within the past 12 months and must present a frontal view of the candidate’s head and shoulders.

Digital photos cannot exceed 2MB and must be at least 500x500 pixels. Printed photos must be at least 2.54cm in width and 3.81cm in height.

No head coverings are allowed in the photo unless required for religious or medical reasons.

The photo must be submitted with the Nomination Paper. Photos cannot be submitted after the Nomination Paper has been accepted.

Candidate Declaration

The Nomination Contestant will need to sign Part 4 of the Nomination Paper confirming they have reviewed all the information provided with the nomination paper.

Receipt of Nomination Papers & Deposit

A $200 deposit must be submitted with the Nomination Paper. The deposit must be paid by cash, money order, or certified cheque made out to the Government of the Northwest Territories. Personal cheques will NOT be accepted.

The deposit will be returned if an accurate and complete Candidate’s Financial Report is submitted within 60 days of polling day.

Once the Nomination Paper and deposit have been accepted by the Returning Officer, the Nomination Contestant is declared an official Candidate.

A Receipt of Official Candidacy will be issued as proof that the Nomination Paper and deposit have been accepted.

Withdrawing Your Candidacy

A Candidate has until 5:00 p.m. withdraw on the Friday following the issue of the writs.

A Candidate Withdrawal (form 2150) must be signed by the Candidate and witnessed by two eligible electors who are resident in the electoral district listed on the form.

The Candidate must submit the form in person to the Returning Officer, or other authorized person.   

Candidates who withdraw forfeit the $200 deposit.