Campaign Resources:
Educational Resources
Learn how council works, what the role demands, and how to prepare with intention.
Before you Run
Serving on municipal council requires both preparation and perspective. Before running, it helps to understand how local government works, what responsibilities elected officials carry, and what a campaign process involves.
Resources include provincial guides, election education and training opportunities, and local governance materials specific to Central Elgin.
- Understanding the Role
- How Council Works in Practice
- Training Opportunities
Understanding the Role
The Role of Council
Municipal council is responsible for setting direction, approving budgets, and representing the public interest. Council members do not manage day-to-day operations — that responsibility belongs to municipal staff.
Municipal staff and council work together like the head and the heart of the body – council is the heart, in tune with the wants, needs, hopes and wishes of the community. Staff are the head, armed with field-specific education and legislative background.
Council
- Set policy and strategic direction
- Approve budgets and bylaws
- Provide oversight
- Represent residents
Staff
- Provide professional advice
- Implement council decisions
- Manage operations and personnel
- Administer municipal services
How Council Works in Practice
Understanding how decisions move through the agenda cycle is essential before running.
- Staff prepare reports
- Agendas are published in advance
- Delegations may present
- Council debates and votes
- Minutes record decisions
Agendas are published in advance and available through Central Elgin’s council agenda portal. Council procedure is governed by the municipality’s Procedural By-law, and long-term priorities are outlined in the Strategic Plan.
Training Opportunities
Several non-partisan organizations offer training and guidance for municipal candidates and councillors across Ontario.
Ontario Municipal Candidate’s Guide
Ontario’s comprehensive guide to eligibility, nomination requirements, campaign finance rules, and reporting obligations under the Municipal Elections Act.
2026 version is due to be published before May 1, 2026.
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)
AMO’s new Healthy Democracy Leadership Series provides free webinar training to candidates considering running for office. The series is offered in two streams, one for experienced councillors running again, and one for those new to governance.
Local Education Opportunties
Many municipalities in and around Elgin County host education sessions in person.
March 27, 7-9 pm
So You Want to Run for Council
East Elgin Community Complex
March 31, 7-9 pm
Election Time
Dutton Dunwich Community Centre
April 20, 7-8:30 pm
Candidate Information Session
Masonic Centre of Elgin
Campaign Schools
Various organizations offer non-partisan campaign training sessions covering compliance, ethics, communications, and voter outreach. Review content carefully to ensure it aligns with Ontario municipal election rules.
Campaign Compliance & Financial Literacy
Campaign Finance & Compliance
Municipal campaigns in Ontario operate under strict financial and reporting rules. Candidates are personally responsible for understanding contribution limits, spending caps, and reporting deadlines.
Contribution Rules
Only eligible individuals living in Ontario may contribute to municipal campaigns. Corporate and union donations are prohibited. Contribution limits apply.
Candidates may not contribute more than the prescribed individual limit to their own campaign.
Spending Limits
Spending limits are calculated based on the number of electors in the municipality. The Clerk will provide your official limit once nominations close.
Financial Reporting
Candidates must file a financial statement after the election, even if they did not raise or spend funds.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re considering running in Central Elgin and have questions about process or governance, reach out to the Clerk’s office directly. They are the authoritative source for election administration.