Campaign Resources:
Getting Started
Running for municipal office can feel overwhelming at first. It doesn’t have to be.
This page walks through the basics — what you need to know before filing, and how to prepare thoughtfully.
Welcome to municipal governance. If you’re considering running, you’ve already taken an important step toward serving your community.
This page covers eligibility, the offices available in Central Elgin, what to think through before filing, and what happens next.
First, the Basics
Am I Eligible?
- Canadian citizen
- At least 18 years old
- Resident, owner, or tenant in Central Elgin
- Not legally prohibited from holding office
What Offices Can I Run For?
- Mayor
Chairs meetings, represents council, sits on Elgin County Council - Deputy Mayor
Supports mayor as required, sits on Elgin County Council - Ward Councillor
Represents their ward at municipal council - School Board Trustee
Represents the community on the school board
Before you File
The time commitment differs dramatically between offices. All members of council attend Central Elgin’s twice-monthly meetings of council, and the mayor and deputy mayor also attend Elgin County council meetings on Tuesday mornings. Councillors also take on roles on Central Elgin’s many boards and committees, such as conservation authority boards and the not-for-profit housing committee, and you may be able to commit to more or less of these, depending on how many your colleagues are able to take up. But good community outreach can also mean attending public open houses, community events, and other places where your neighbours will take the opportunity to open conversations. Council members often take on the additional role of helping community members to navigate accessing municipal services. To better understand whether your current schedule and commitments would align with the office you’re considering, you can look at Central Elgin’s meeting schedule and agendas on civicweb. Contacting a current or former holder of the office you’re considering is another great way to learn more, and many are happy to continue to support the community in this way.
Filing Your Nomination
When you’re ready to move forward, filing your nomination makes your candidacy official. Here’s what that process looks like in Central Elgin.
Step 1
Book an Appointment with the Clerk
Nominations are filed in person during the nomination period. Call or email to book an appointment with Central Elgin’s Deputy Clerk:
Delany Leitch
519-631-4860×286
dleitch@centralelgin.org.
School Board Trustee candidates file nominations through the City of St. Thomas Clerk.
Step 2
Submit Your Forms and Fee
You’ll need to provide:
- your nomination form
- endorsement form
(signed by 25 eligible Central Elgin residents) - identification
- your filing fee
($200 for head of council, $100 for all other positions)
Step 3
Open a Campaign Bank Account
Once your nomination is filed, open a dedicated campaign bank account. All campaign expenses and contributions must flow through this account.
After Filing
Once your nomination is accepted, you may begin campaigning in accordance with municipal election rules. Be sure to review contribution limits, spending rules, and reporting deadlines.