Who can be a candidate?

To run for a position on Council, you must be eligible to vote in that municipality. On the day you file your nomination, you must be:

• a resident of the municipality or a non-resident owner or tenant of land in the municipality or the spouse of such non-resident owner or tenant;

• a Canadian citizen;

• at least 18 years old;

• not legally prohibited from voting; and

• not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office.

• To run as a candidate for a school board trustee position you must ensure you meet any other qualifications to vote for the school board and be a resident in the area of jurisdiction of the board you are seeking office to.

 

Who cannot be a candidate?

• any person who is not eligible to vote in the municipality

• An employee of the municipality unless they take an unpaid leave of absence beginning the day they are nominated and resign if elected to the office

• A judge of any court

• A member of the Provincial Legislature, the Federal House of Commons or Senate who has not resigned from their office by the close of nominations. Proof of resignation must be provided by the close of nominations or the Clerk will not certify the nomination

• A candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement in the last municipal election or by-election

• an inmate serving a sentence in a penal or correctional institution

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2026 Candidates’ Guide - Ontario municipal council and school board elections

 

2026 Candidates' Guide - Niagara-on-the-Lake