Nominations are now open for those interested in running for a seat in Chatham-Kent’s municipal government.
Beginning Friday, candidates can file their nomination papers for the 2026 Municipal Election. Eligible candidates can run for one of 14 seats on council, the mayor’s position or as a trustee for one of the local school boards.
Candidates must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen to submit a nomination. They must also be a resident of the municipality, an owner or tenant of lands in the municipality, or the spouse/partner of an owner or tenant.
“You don’t have to live in the ward in which you run. You do have to [be able to] vote in the ward that you live, but you can run for any of the wards,” said Municipal Clerk Judy Shantz.
Nomination forms must include 25 endorsement signatures from eligible electors. At the time of submission, candidates must also pay a $200 filing fee to run for the mayor’s seat or a $100 fee to run for a seat on council.
Shantz said there are several resources available online for those who plan to campaign for one of the 15 seats on council or as a school board trustee.
“On the candidate page, there is a guide offered by the ministry, called the municipal councillor handbook, and it gives all kinds of information with regards to how to run a campaign and the rules behind that,” she said. “We’re always open to questions. Anybody can email us.”
It is unlawful to raise campaign funds or incur campaign expenses until nomination papers have been filed.
Appointments to file nomination forms can be set up during regular office hours by contacting the Clerk’s Office at 519-360-1998 or ckclerk@chatham-kent.ca.
The deadline for nominations is 2 p.m. on August 21. The municipal election will be held on October 26.
For more information, visit the municipality’s website by clicking here.
