Information Session:
April 16 | 6:00 PM | Council Chambers, Chatham Civic Centre
𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝘆 𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻@𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗺-𝗸𝗲𝗻𝘁.𝗰𝗮. No fee.
This session covers responsibilities, expectations, timelines, and what to know before filing your nomination.
Term of Office
The 2026 Municipal Election will be conducted for a term of office beginning November 15, 2026 until November 14, 2030.
People interested in running for office should be aware that:
- Nominations can be filed by appointment during regular office hours from May 1, 2026 and close on Nomination Day, Friday August 21, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Nomination Form 1
Contact the Clerk's Office to set up an appointment to file your nomination papers at 519-360-1998 or email ckclerk@chatham-kent.ca
Nomination Process
Candidates are required to obtain 25 endorsement signatures from eligible electors and submitted at the time a candidate files his/her nomination paper. A person providing an endorsement must be eligible to vote in Chatham-Kent on the day that the person endorses the nomination and sign a declaration form stating such.
Individuals are permitted to endorse more than one nomination.
Endorsement of Nomination Form 2
Candidate Qualifications
A candidate for Municipal Council at the time of being nominated must be:
- a resident of the municipality or a non-resident owner or tenant of lands in the municipality or the spouse or same-sex partner of such non-resident owner or tenant;
- a Canadian citizen;
- at least 18 years old;
- not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office.
A candidate for School Board must be:
- a resident in the area of jurisdiction of the board;
- a Canadian citizen;
- at least 18 years old;
- eligible to be an elector of that school board for which the person is a candidate;
- not disqualified by any legislation from holding office.
The following are the offices available for nomination:
Office of Mayor
- The election for this office is at large (municipal wide)
- Filing fee for nomination paper is $200
- You can live anywhere in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent
- You must be a qualified elector in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent under Section 17 of the Municipal Elections Act
Office of Municipal Councillor
- The election for this office is by ward. There are 8 wards within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
- Ward 1 (South West Kent) – 2 councillor positions
- Ward 2 (South East Kent) – 2 councillor positions
- Ward 3 (North East Kent) – 1 councillor position
- Ward 4 (North West Kent) – 1 councillor position
- Ward 5 (Wallaceburg & Area) – 2 councillor positions
- Ward 6 (North West Chatham) – 2 councillor positions
- Ward 7 (North East Chatham) – 2 councillor positions
- Ward 8 (South Chatham) – 2 councillor positions
- Filing fee for nomination paper is $100
- There are no restrictions on candidate having to live in the ward in which they are running: you may live anywhere in the municipality
- You must be a qualified elector in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent under Section 17 of the Municipal Elections Act
Office of School Board Trustee
- The election for this office is by school jurisdiction
- Filing fee for nomination paper is $100
- Meet any other qualifications to vote for the school board (eg. being Roman Catholic, or hold Franch language rights)
Candidate Nominations
Nominations open Friday, May 1, 2026 and close on Nomination Day, Friday, August 21, 2026, at 2:00 pm.
Candidates are required to complete the following to file a nomination:
- Nomination Form 1
- Endorsement of Nominations Form 2 – 25 signatures
- Proof of identification
- Declaration of Qualifications
- Consent to release personal information
Withdrawal Deadline: Candidates have until 2:00 pm on Nomination Day (Friday, August 21, 2026) to withdraw their nomination.
Book an Appointment: All candidates must book an appointment with the Clerk's Office to file their nomination papers. Email ckclerk@chatham-kent.ca to book your appointment.
Candidate List: Once filed, candidate names will be posted on our website and updated daily.
When to Start Campaigning: You cannot begin campaigning until your nomination papers have been officially filed.
Ward Boundaries
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is separated into 8 different wards for the municipal election. You are required to vote in the ward you reside in. However, you may run in any ward.
Resources
Election Campaign Sign By-Law # 73-2009
Campaign signs shall only be permitted from August 27, 2026 until October 31,2026.
2026 Candidates' Guide for Ontario Municipal Council and School Board Election
An Information Session for Urban Indigenous Peoples' Considering Running for Municipal Office | AMO
For more information, e-mail ckelction@chatham-kent.ca
