Candidate Information and Resources

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

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a dynamic lineup of information sessions and workshops to support aspiring candidates and current elected officials. 

•  AMO's Free Campaign Readiness Workshops

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

To run for the office of Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillor or School Board Trustee you must file a Nomination Paper with the Clerk/Returning Officer.

Nomination packages are available here, and in person at the Township Office. The nomination forms and other prescribed forms are available from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: www.ontario.ca/municipalelections

Nominations may be filed by candidates from May 1, 2026 to August 20, 2026, between Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Friday, August 21, 2026 nominations can be filed from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Township Office. Please contact the Clerk’s Department to book an appointment.

• Until you file a Nomination Paper, you cannot raise or spend any money on your campaign.

• Candidates running for the position of Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Councillor must also provide at least 25 endorsement signatures from eligible electors using the prescribed form

• A fee is required at the time the Nomination Paper is filed. Filing fees are $200 for the Head of Council (Mayor) and $100 for all other offices, including School Board Trustee positions and must be paid by cash, certified cheque (payable to the Township of Douro-Dummer), money order or interac.
  
  
• Candidates wishing to withdraw their nomination must do so in person in writing by 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2026.
• Form 1: Nomination Paper
• Form 2: Endorsement of Nomination - 25 Signatures
• Form 4: Financial Statement - Auditor's Report Candidate
• Form 5: Financial Statement – Subsequent Expenses
• Form 6: Notice of Extension of Campaign Period

Please contact the Clerk's Office if additional support is required.

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