Residents across midwestern Ontario can officially begin throwing their hat in the ring for this fall's municipal elections.
The candidate nomination period for individuals interested in running for the position of mayor, councillor, and school board trustee opened on Friday.
To be eligible to run, candidates must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18-years-old, and either reside in the municipality, own or rent land in the municipality, or be the spouse of someone who owns or rents land there. They also need to complete a candidate form, have money for the nomination fee, and a list of at least 25 endorsement signatures.
Candidates have until August 21 to file their nomination paperwork with their municipal clerk. Each municipality has additional information and an updated list of candidates available on its website.
Saugeen Shores, Huron-Kinloss, South Bruce Peninsula, Kincardine, and Arran-Elderslie will all hold candidate information sessions later this month. The sessions will include information on how municipal government works, the roles and responsibilities of council members and the ethical and legal obligations holding public office requires.
Unlike in provincial and federal elections, municipal candidates do not represent a political party.
The municipal vote will be held October 26.
