Downtown Sydney

Municipal Election

Municipal elections are a vital part of local democracy and play a direct role in shaping day-to-day life in the municipality. Decisions about services such as waste collection, public safety, transit, infrastructure, and community development are guided by the officials elected by residents.

This page provides general election information year-round and will be updated as each election period approaches.

Information for Voters

Every four years, the CBRM holds a general election for Regional Council and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial’s (CSAP) CBRM- area school board members. 

The next Municipal and Conseil scolaire acadien provincial Election is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2024.

The upcoming general election will allow eligible residents to vote for their choice of:

  • Mayor
  • Councillor within their district (12 total); and
  • Conseil scolaire acadien provincial member (if eligible).

Election Results

Official election results are published following each municipal election.

2024 Municipal & CSAP Election Results

Archived results remain available for public reference.

Voter Participation Rates – Previous Elections

  • 2024: Hybrid election with electronic advanced voting and paper ballots on election day. Voter turnout was 48.3 per cent, with 55.4 per cent of votes cast electronically.
  • 2020: All-electronic election with a voter turnout of 51.3 per cent. All votes were cast electronically.
  • 2016: Hybrid election with electronic advanced voting and paper ballots on election day. Voter turnout was 53.5 per cent, with 49.5 per cent of votes cast electronically.
  • 2012: Hybrid election with electronic advanced voting and paper ballots on election day. Voter turnout was 57.5 per cent, with 57 per cent of votes cast electronically.
  • 2008: Paper ballot election with a voter turnout of 50 per cent. All votes were cast using paper ballots.

Electoral Boundaries

Electoral district boundaries are reviewed regularly to ensure fair and effective representation, as required by the Municipal Government Act.

While the municipality conducts the boundary review and submits recommendations, final decisions are made by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB).

The most recent boundary review decision was released by the NSUARB on July 6, 2023. Updated electoral boundaries came into effect for the 2024 Municipal and CSAP Election and will remain in place for future elections unless otherwise revis