Candidates and Third Party Advertisers

To be eligible to run in a municipal election, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a citizen of the country
• Be a resident of the municipality (or meet local residency/property requirements)
• Not be legally disqualified from holding public office
• Submit the required nomination forms and fees before the deadlines

• Mayor
• Deputy Mayor
• Councillor at Large 
• Councillor, Ward 1 (Douro Ward)
• Councillor, Ward 2 (Douro Ward)

During the Campaign:

• Register as a candidate with the municipality
• Promote their platform and ideas
• Engage with residents through events, social media, and canvassing
• Participate in debates and public forums
• Follow election finance and advertising rules

• Attend Township Council Meetings
• Vote on Township by-laws and policies
• Help set budgets and local tax rates
• Represent the interests of residents
• Work on community planning and local services

Third party advertising is advertising that supports or opposes a candidate or a yes/no question on the ballot but is not done by a candidate or a political party. This can include signs, flyers, mail-outs, websites, social media ads, or other paid or unpaid advertising.

You can be a third party advertiser if you are:

• an individual who normally lives in Ontario
• a corporation that does business in Ontario
• a trade union that has bargaining rights in Ontario

You cannot be a third party advertiser if you are:

• a candidate in the election
• a federal or provincial political party or candidate
• a group that does not meet Ontario residency or business requirements

Before spending any money on third party advertising, you must register with the Township Clerk. You cannot begin advertising until your registration has been completed. Once registered, you are allowed to advertise and must follow all rules that apply to third party advertisers.