The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is letting residents know that the nomination period for the 2026 Municipal Election opens today, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Anyone interested in running for municipal office can now submit their nomination papers until Friday, August 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
Nomination forms must be completed and submitted to the Municipal Clerk by appointment. Candidates will need to provide their signature along with 25 endorsement signatures from eligible voters.
There is a filing fee of $200 for Mayor and $100 for Councillor or School Board Trustee positions. Fees can be paid by cash (including debit), certified cheque, or money order, and are refundable if the required financial report is submitted after the election.
Nomination forms are available online or can be picked up at the Civic Centre (315 King Street West, Chatham) or any Municipal Centre in Chatham-Kent. The Candidates page on the Chatham-Kent website will be updated daily listing all candidates that have filed and which position they are running for.
Residents are reminded that candidates cannot raise funds or spend money on their campaign until their nomination has been officially filed.
During the election period, an individual, corporation or trade union can register to be a third-party advertiser beginning on May 1, 2026, and can file a registration until the close of business on Friday, October 23, 2026. A third party advertisement refers to advertisements or other materials that support, promote or oppose a candidate, or support, promote or oppose a “yes” or “no” answer to a question on the ballot. The meaning of “third party” in this context means a person or entity who is not a candidate. More information regarding third party advertising is available on our website.
For more information about the nomination process and available offices, visit www.ckelection.ca.
To book an appointment or ask questions, contact the Municipal Clerk’s office at 519-360-1998 or email ckelection@chatham-kent.ca.
Media Contact:
Eric Labadie
Manager, Corporate Communications
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
519-360-1998 x 2039
ericl@chatham-kent.ca
