Tools and Resources
Everything you need to take the next step — from curiosity to candidacy.
Steps to Seeking Nomination
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Consult the policy manual of your preferred party and ensure that you agree with what each party stands for, believes, and prioritizes.
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Confirm that running for nomination is the choice you want to make and that you are committed to this political process. Consult those close to you, including family members.
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Reach out to your political party of choice to register for membership and inquire about speaking with a female member or potential mentorship opportunities. You can also contact Women for 50% for assistance. As early as possible, begin talking to people about your ambition and ask whether they would consider joining the party to support you. Remember: you have one chance only to secure the nomination.
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Consult the electoral map to familiarize yourself with the area your riding covers and confirm that you reside within it. Begin learning about the key issues in your riding.
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Contact your Riding Association (RDA) or provincial party office to request the nomination application form.
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Complete and submit the candidate nomination form to your party's provincial office (or as specified on the form). Obtain a nomination information package and review it carefully — it includes rules and regulations. Submit a photo and biography to your RDA. Consider issuing a news release; discuss this with your party first.
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Once written approval is granted, your party will notify the local association (RDA). Ensure you receive written approval — it is required for your name to stand at the Nomination Convention.
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Once approved, obtain the complete membership list from your party. Contact listed individuals by phone, mail, email, or in person. You may also recruit new members for a specified period, depending on party regulations. Reach out to personal connections first — they can also provide leads on other potential supporters. Prepare a press release, independently or through your party (not obligatory, but helpful).
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You may act as your own official representative, though this is not recommended. Your campaign manager can also serve in this role. Ensure your official representative is easily accessible.
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Fill in the form "Application for Registration as a Leadership Contestant or Nomination Contestant" (P 04 843). Two signatures are required: yours and your official representative's.
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Decide who your Official Agent and Campaign Manager will be. Ensure they are ready and willing. Begin delegating tasks, forming a game plan, and preparing marketing and promotional materials. Make sure you are aware of all rules regarding promotional materials.
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Ensure your supporters will attend the Nomination Convention. This is critical, particularly if the nomination is contested.
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Ensure your party or RDA is issuing a media advisory and creating public awareness of the Nomination Convention date and location.
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For the Nomination Convention, you must designate one scrutineer ahead of time and notify your RDA.
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Have someone at the convention to take photos of you. This can be anyone you choose, but not your scrutineer.
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Check the rules regarding promotional materials at the Nomination Convention site and ensure they are respected well in advance.
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Prepare your remarks for the Nomination Convention — this is your opportunity for riding constituents to get to know you. Write two speeches: one for if you win, and one for if you lose. Be sure to thank your volunteers and supporters in both.
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Fill in the form "Certificate of Nomination Convention" (P 04 847). This form must be signed in front of an authorized officer and commissioner of votes.
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Have two press releases ready for the morning after the Nomination Convention. One with a WIN message, the second if you don’t, but we know you’ll win!
You Have Won the Nomination
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Sign the "Internal Use of Elector Lists" (P 04 103) and the "Nomination Paper" (P 04 001), which requires 25 signatures from your riding supporting your name on the ballot. It is recommended that you collect 50 signatures instead of the minimum 25, to ensure enough are counted and approved.
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You are now the official candidate for your party. Check with your party for generic campaign materials. Start networking and getting your name out in your riding. Form your team (note: your team can be different from the RDA). Set your budget and assess the RDA funding available to you. Begin producing promotional materials such as business cards and flyers.
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Focus on your executive — especially your Official Agent and Campaign Manager. Ensure your Official Agent completes the training videos issued by Elections NB. Engage in campaign training offered by your party. Ask your party or RDA for any tools, tip sheets, or information kits available. Continue growing your volunteer team.
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Review the Elections NB guide "Information for Candidates at a Provincial Election" (P 04 301).
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Do not burn yourself out. Be creative and effective in ways that suit you. Strategize canvassing and promotional events carefully. Set reasonable goals, focus on effective use of your time and resources, and familiarize yourself with fundraising limits.
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Register with a Returning Officer as soon as possible to ensure your name appears on the ballot.
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Winning the election is not the only measure of success. Success means your campaign goals were met.
Tips for Women Candidates
You are the final decision maker — but let others actively participate and help. Learn to delegate.
Reach out to women who have gone through the process before. Their lived experience is invaluable.
Always take care of yourself.
Consider appointing someone to stand in your place when you are unavailable.
Buy a comfortable pair of shoes — face-to-face communication is essential.
Be prepared for the unexpected.
Present yourself to the public: your background, education, professional experience, values, family, and interests.
Don't get discouraged when aspects of your campaign or personnel become challenging.
Balance your responsibilities — don't let your campaign pull you away from family, work, or personal life.
Focus on strategies that work best for you financially and time-wise.
Allocate team resources and expenses effectively.
Know where your voters are located.
When canvassing, always go in pairs — one person talks, one takes notes.
Respond to all forms of communication: mail, email, phone, and social media. Your team can help.
Understand your party's platform and the key issues in your riding.
Don't make promises you are unsure you can keep.
Ensure your messages align with your party's policies.
Build a team you trust — one that is working alongside you to see you succeed.
Realistically assess how many hours per week you can dedicate to your campaign.
Map out a campaign timeline and create a work plan with time management tools.
Even if you don't win, don't give up your political career. You've built your foundation.
Take time to celebrate — whether a win or a loss. Your participation and initiative are what matter.
Election Day and Post-Election Day
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Be visible in your riding.
Ensure your team is out contacting and encouraging voters — work the voters list!
No signage is allowed at polling stations.
Scrutineers have access to the List of Voters Who Have Voted (sometimes called the Bingo Sheets).
No campaign team member can work for Elections NB on Election Day.
Have scrutineers at your selected polls.
Thank your team, volunteers, and supporters — profusely.
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Your Official Agent must file all required forms, including tracking of expenses with receipts and submitting expenses to Elections NB as required by legislation.
Ensure your Official Agent is fulfilling their obligations — the party is held responsible for any mistakes they make.
Take down all campaign signage.
Clean out your campaign office.
Thank your team and volunteers again — show them genuine appreciation for everything they contributed.