Every four years, School
Board elections are held on the fourth Wednesday in October in tandem with
general municipal elections. While the fall may seem like a long time away,
it's important to start thinking about this important democratic process now. Can
you identify your Ward? Do you know who your Ward representatives are
currently? Are you thinking about running? Let's break down the basics to get set for the election
this fall.
Why,
When, and How to Vote
First of all, the School Board plays a vital role in guiding educational
practices and learning experiences in SJASD. Nine elected Trustees collaborate
with Senior Administrators to make informed decisions on programming,
resources, staffing, budgets, and more to best meet the needs of all students.
SJASD believes that School Board elections are an important opportunity for
residents of St. James-Assiniboia to get involved in public education.
The next general municipal and School Board election is Wednesday, October 28, 2026. On
that date, eligible residents may exercise their democratic right to vote for
their preferred candidates.
In order to cast a ballot for School Trustees, voters must be:
- A Canadian citizen,
- 18 years of age or older on election day, and
- A resident of the City of Winnipeg or property owner since April 28, 2026.
Additionally, the City of Winnipeg requires every voter to provide proof of
their name and current address by showing identification. This can include:
One original piece of
government-issued photo ID. For example, a valid driver’s
licence, Manitoba identification card, or any other card issued by a government
agency with the individual’s photo, name, and current address.
OR
Two original pieces of
authorized identification that together provide evidence of name and current
address. For example, a Manitoba Health Services card, Manitoba
Blue Cross card, credit card statement, utility bill, etc. Both must have the
resident’s name and at least one must have the resident’s current address.
For more information, see the City of Winnipeg's Voter Eligibility and Identification Requirements.
Know Your Divisional Ward and Trustees
It's important to do your homework before voting for your preferred candidates. To begin, every resident of SJASD lives in one of three Divisional Wards—East Ward, Centre Ward, or West Ward. To determine what Ward you are a part of, locate your street and block on the links above, or visit SJASD's School Board web page to locate the Ward associated with your child(ren)'s school(s) and your currently elected Trustees. Please note, if your child attends an SJASD school out-of-catchment or out-of-Division, you will be voting based on your residence, not your child(ren)'s school.
Since each Divisional Ward is represented by three elected Trustees, you will be voting for three candidates.
SJASD residents can begin obtaining information on registered candidates via the City of Winnipeg's website as early as Tuesday, June 30, 2026, when the registration period for Trustees begins.
Information for School Trustee Candidates
Becoming a candidate for School Trustee now involves two important steps—a Registration Process and a Nomination Process.
Registration for candidates for School Trustee begins on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, and ends at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Candidates for School Trustee must complete and submit a registration form and all applicable consent forms to the Senior Election Official in-person.
The nomination period begins on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, and ends at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2026. All nomination papers must be filed in-person with the Senior Election Official during the nomination period.
SJASD will be hosting a Trustee Candidate Session for all nominated School Trustee candidates. This session will provide more information to candidates about becoming a Trustee. Date, time, and location will be confirmed at a later date. Check back at sjasd.ca for details as they become
available.
Anyone interested in becoming a School Trustee candidate for the 2026 election should go to the following links:
For more information on
School Board elections generally, visit 2026 Municipal Council and School Boards Election
(City of Winnipeg).
