Information for Candidates

Candidate Training Opportunities

AMO - "So You Want to Run For Council?" 

The Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) offers an online course to provide an overview of what you should know before deciding to run for municipal office. The expertise of content designed by current and retired members of council, paired with the practical tools you need, make this an invaluable course for those about to start a municipal election campaign.

Course Length: 1 - 1.5 hours
Course Access: Online
Cost: $66.37 (+HST)
Register Now

Eligibility 

Who can be a Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or Councillor candidate?

A person is entitled to be a candidate for mayor or councillor if they are:

• a resident of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, or an owner or tenant of land in the Municipality, or the spouse of an owner or tenant;
• a Canadian citizen;
• at least 18 years old;
• on the Voters List and
• are not legally prohibited from voting by law.

Who cannot be a Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or Councillor candidate?

The following people are disqualified from being elected as a member of council, or holding office as a member of council:

• an employee of the municipality unless they take an unpaid leave of absence beginning the day they are nominated, and resign if elected to office;
• a judge of any court;
• a Member of Parliament, a Member of Provincial Parliament, or a Senator;
• a candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement(s) in the last municipal election;
• anyone that is legally prohibited from voting by law.

Candidates must fill out the Nomination Form and file it with the Municipal Clerk. Nomination papers and candidate packages will be available online and can be picked up at the Municipal Office (52 Frank Street, Strathroy) starting on or about April 1, 2018. Candidates can begin filing their Nomination Papers on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 8:30 a.m.

Each candidate for Council must submit the signatures of 25 voters supporting their nomination. Each supporter must be on the Municipal Voters List and sign a declaration stating their eligibility to vote in the Municipality. Those endorsing a nomination must be eligible to vote as of the day they sign the prescribed form.

Nomination Papers must be filed by the candidate in-person at the Municipal Office. All forms must have original signatures and they may not be submitted electronically. The following are needed to complete the filing:

• A completed copy of the Nomination Form (Form 1);
• Completed Endorsement of Nomination forms (Form 2) - please note that 25 signatures are required;
• Filing fee; and
• Proof of Identity.

Filing Fees

Mayor - $200

Deputy Mayor - $100

Councillor - $100

Candidates are entitled to a refund of their filing fee if they submit their campaign financial statement by the deadline.

A candidate's election campaign period begins the day they file a nomination. No contributions can be made or accepted and no expenses may be incurred before the Clerk receives the nomination form. If you file a nomination form, you must file a financial statement. This includes candidates who withdrew their nomination, candidates who were not certified and did not appear on the ballot, and candidates who were acclaimed.

Candidates are responsible for keeping records of all financial activities related to their campaign.

Important Forms and Documents 

Direct link to all forms for municipal candidates via the Ministry of Municipal Affairs