Buckle your seat belts…the race for Chatham-Kent council kicks off today.
While the municipal election is still almost 6 months away, the races officially get underway today around Chatham-Kent.
May 1st is the first day candidates can file their nomination papers. 
There are 17 seats on council up for grabs along with the mayor’s position.
There will be an open seat in Wallaceburg as long time Councillor Jeff Wesley has announced he will not be seeking re-election.
Incumbent Mayor Randy Hope is expected to seek a 4th term in office.
Meanwhile the municipality is asking for volunteers to sit on the election compliance audit committee.
This committee is responsible for going over any reports passed on by the clerk to make sure election campaign contributions are on the up and up.
You can contact the clerk’s office for more information.
The nomination period ends on Friday, July 27th at 2pm, election day is October 22nd.