By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—This year’s municipal elections are drawing closer, with voting set for October 24, 2022. The time for those interested in running to be either a councillor or as the new mayor to declare their intentions is nearly here.
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is hoping to see a more diverse slate of candidates, launching a campaign last fall titled ‘We All Win’. It is centred on the belief that municipal governments can better serve their constituents when they reflect the diversity of their communities.
AMO stated in a press release last fall, “Having the voice of diverse genders and identities, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and more around the council table is key to building inclusive and sustainable communities across the province.”
Part of that campaign includes making it easier for candidates to have access to the information they need in order to launch a campaign themselves, with AMO providing a handy list of resources, information, and links for potential candidates to consider at amo.on.ca/we-all-win.
“AMO’s Board recognizes that more inclusive municipal councils will help create stronger, more equitable communities,” said AMO President Graydon Smith. “Municipal governments provide the services people rely on most, every day. When people with diverse perspectives and experiences run for municipal office, we get a better election and a better debate about the future of our communities.”
According to the press release, Ontario’s 444 municipal governments invest revenues of $50 billion annually in important public services and infrastructure. Just some of these expenses include clean drinking water, affordable housing and childcare, and road maintenance.
Candidates cannot be an inmate of a penal or correctional institution under sentence of imprisonment, any person not eligible to vote in the municipality, a staff member of the municipality unless they take an unpaid leave of absence during the campaign period and resign once elected to office, a judge of any court, or a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, a senator, or a member of the House of Commons.
Nomination papers may be filed with the Clerk’s Office at the Haldimand County Administration Building during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm) from May 2 until August 18.Aspiring candidates will need to collect 25 signatures on their nomination forms, and pay a fee of either $100 to run for councillor or $200 to run for mayor. Unlike provincial or federal elections, municipal candidates are not aligned with any particular political party.
All municipal election candidates will be certified on August 22, with the first day for filing nomination papers set for May 2 and the deadline for submission set for August 19 at 2 p.m.
On Nomination Day, August 19, nominations may be submitted in-person between the hours of 9am and 2pm as per the Municipal Elections Act.
Candidates are not allowed to formally start campaigning for their desired positions until the municipal clerk has confirmed their paperwork has been received and is complete.
All necessary nomination forms and paperwork can be obtained and filed at the Clerk’s Office, located at the County’s administration building in Cayuga, which is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
