The Yukon has fixed election dates. Campaigns must last at least 31 days. The last election was held on November 3, 2025.
Phases of an election period
There are 3 main phases of an election period. Each phase is a little different.
Pre-writ period
The period before an election is called is the pre-writ phase where government business continues as usual.
Caretaker convention or “mode”
Once the election is called, the government enters caretaker mode and Ministers remain responsible for their departments. Routine or urgent decisions continue until the election is over.
New administration period
After election day, caretaker mode continues until the new administration phase, when the new Cabinet is sworn in. Once the new cabinet is sworn in, normal government operations resume under the direction of the new Cabinet.
Government communications during an election
After an election is called, government communications are reduced. This is to make sure public money is not used in a way that could affect the outcome of the election.
You’ll notice:
- the Government of Yukon will share fewer news releases and social media posts;
- advertising and new releases will pause, except for legal notices, emergencies or routine information that cannot wait; and
- Ministers will not make policy announcements or give media interviews, unless it’s an emergency.
Procurement during an election
During an election period:
- the Government of Yukon avoids making major new financial commitments or actions that would bind an incoming government to major contracts or undertakings;
- new major contracts and large purchases are put on hold until after the election;
- minor day-to-day purchasing for routine operations continues as usual, so government services are not disrupted; and
- emergency or urgent purchases may still happen, but they follow special approvals.
This approach helps ensure fairness and avoids binding a future government to big financial decisions or resource implications.
Who does what in a Yukon election
Elections Yukon:
- is a non-partisan independent office that runs territorial elections;
- manages voter and candidate registration, and voting processes; and
- provides official information on how, when and where to vote.
The Government of Yukon:
- follows election rules set out in legislation;
- applies the caretaker convention once an election is called, which limits government decisions and communications; and
- prepares materials to support a smooth transition to the new government after the election.
Visit Elections Yukon for more details on the fall 2025 election and plebiscite.