The nomination period for the 2026 municipal election in Chatham-Kent is set to open Friday, May 1, 2026, marking the official start of the local election cycle.
Municipal officials say nominations can be filed by appointment during regular office hours beginning May 1 and will close on nomination day, Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at 2 p.m.
The next term of office will run from Nov. 15, 2026, until Nov. 14, 2030.
Candidates are required to submit nomination papers along with 25 endorsement signatures from eligible electors at the time of filing. Those providing endorsements must be eligible to vote in Chatham-Kent on the day they sign and must complete a declaration form confirming their eligibility. Individuals are permitted to endorse more than one candidate.
Appointments to file nomination papers can be arranged through the clerk’s office by calling 519-360-1998 or emailing ckclerk@chatham-kent.ca.
To be eligible to run for municipal council, candidates must be a resident of the municipality, or a non-resident owner or tenant of land in the municipality, or the spouse or same-sex partner of such a person. Candidates must also be Canadian citizens, at least 18 years old and not disqualified by legislation from holding municipal office.
School board trustee candidates must reside within the board’s jurisdiction, be Canadian citizens, at least 18 years old, and be eligible to vote for the board they seek to represent.
The election will include the office of mayor, elected at large across the municipality, as well as municipal councillors elected by ward. Chatham-Kent is divided into eight wards, with multiple councillor positions in several areas. There are no residency requirements for candidates running in a specific ward, provided they are qualified electors within the municipality.
Candidates must also meet additional filing requirements, including submitting identification, a declaration of qualifications and consent to release personal information.
The filing fee is $200 for mayoral candidates and $100 for councillor and school board trustee positions.
Candidates have until 2 p.m. on Aug. 21 to withdraw their nomination. Once nominations are filed, candidate names will be posted online and updated daily.
Officials note that candidates are not permitted to begin campaigning until their nomination papers have been officially filed.
More details can be found, here.
