By-Elections
By-elections are held when an existing councillor or Mayor position becomes vacant. For example, a vacancy can occur when a member resigns, moves out of the municipality, or is disqualified (Section 108, MGA).
Council Representation
Towns and rural municipalities have 6 councillors and 1 Mayor (Section 78(1), MGA), and cities have 8 councillors and 1 Mayor (Section 78(3), MGA).
Term of Office
The term of office for a council is four years (Section 79(2), MGA). Council members who are elected in a November general election will continue until December 6 after the next general election (e.g., December 7, 2026, to December 6, 2030).
Any candidates who are elected through a by-election will serve until the end of the four-year term (i.e., ending December 6, 2030, regardless of their start date).