Become a candidate

Strong local democracy starts with people who care about their community. 

Running for municipal or school board office is an opportunity to bring your experience and ideas to the table and help move your community forward. 

Municipal councils and school boards benefit from people of all ages, professions and lived experiences who are willing to listen, learn and lead. If you are passionate about your community and ready to contribute, you may already have what it takes to run. 

This page is your starting point. Here you’ll find information about who can run, what to expect as a candidate, important dates and deadlines, and how to file a nomination. 

Eligibility

To qualify as a candidate you must be, on the day that you file your nomination: 

  • A Canadian citizen
  • At least 18 years old
  • A resident of the City of Quinte West; or
  • A non-resident of Quinte West and you or your spouse owns or rents property in the City
  • In the case of school boards, a resident of the area of jurisdiction of the school board
  • Not ineligible under the Municipal Election Act, Education Act or any other act or otherwise prohibited by law to be nominated for or to hold the office

About Quinte West Council

To qualify as a candidate you must be, on the day that you file your nomination: 

  • A Canadian citizen
  • At least 18 years old
  • A resident of the City of Quinte West; or
  • A non-resident of Quinte West and you or your spouse owns or rents property in the City
  • In the case of school boards, a resident of the area of jurisdiction of the school board
  • Not ineligible under the Municipal Election Act, Education Act or any other act or otherwise prohibited by law to be nominated for or to hold the office

School Trustees

Two (2) trustees to be elected (nominations to be filed with the Clerk of the City of Quinte West) 

  • 1 to be elected from the combined areas of Ward 1 (Trenton Ward) and CFB Trenton
  • 1 to be elected from the combined areas of Ward 2 (Sidney Ward excluding CFB Trenton) and Ward 4 (Frankford Ward)

One (1) trustee to be elected (nominations to be filed with the Clerk of the City of Quinte West) from the combined areas of:

  • Ward 1 (Trenton Ward)
  • Ward 2 (Sidney Ward)
  • Ward 4 (Frankford Ward)

One (1) trustee to be elected (nominations to be filed with the Clerk of the Municipality of Brighton) from the combined areas of:

  • The Municipality of Brighton
  • The City of Quinte West – Ward 3 (Murray Ward)
  • Township of Cramahe

One (1) trustee to be elected (nominations to be filed with the Clerk of the Town of Cobourg) from the combined area of Northumberland County, including the City of Quinte West – Ward 3 (Murray Ward)

One (1) trustee to be elected (nominations to be filed with the Clerk of the City of Kingston) from the combined areas of:

  • Hastings
  • Prince Edward
  • Lennox and Addington
  • Frontenac
  • Leeds and Grenville

One (1) trustee to be elected (nominations to be filed with the Clerk of the City of Kingston) from the combined areas of:

  • Hastings
  • Prince Edward
  • Lennox and Addington
  • Frontenac

One (1) trustee to be elected (nominations to be filed with the Clerk of the City of Oshawa) from the combined areas of:

  • Kawartha Lakes
  • Clarington
  • Peterborough County
  • Northumberland County, including City of Quinte West – Ward 3 (Murray Ward)

One (1) trustee to be elected (nominations to be filed with the Clerk of the City of Oshawa) from the combined areas of the Counties of Haliburton, Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland (Murray Ward 3) and Durham Region

Register as a candidate

The City Clerk will provide you with the package and answer any questions. Packages will be available starting April 17, 2026. The package contains:

  • City of Quinte West’s candidate’s manual for municipal council (PDF)
  • Municipal election sign by-law (PDF)
  • Use of corporate resources for election purposes (PDF)
  • 2026 Candidate’s Guide – Ministry of Municipal Affairs (link)
  • The 2026 Guide will be made available once it is provided to the City by the Province
    AMCTO Candidate’s Guide to Accessible Elections (link)
  • Municipal Election Freedom of Information (FOI) Release
  • Nomination Form (Form 1)
  • Endorsement of Nomination (Form 2) *Not required for school board trustee
  • Declaration of Qualifications Form – Council (Form EL18A), School Board (Form EL18B)
  • Withdrawal of Nomination Form (Form EL19)
  • Financial Statement – Auditor’s Report (Form 4)
  • Preliminary Calculation of Campaign Expense and Self-Contribution Limits
  • Notice of Penalties

Get endorsement signatures from at least 25 eligible electors using Endorsement of Nomination (Form 2).

This is also the perfect opportunity to learn more about what’s involved in serving on council. We recommend watching past council meetings, reading the Ontario municipal councillor’s guide and talking with a councillor in your ward.

Endorsement signatures are required for mayor and council positions, not school board trustees.

Starting on Friday, May 1, 2026, through to Aug. 21, 2026, at 2 p.m., you can file for nomination during office hours of the Office of the City Clerk (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Bring your completed forms and valid identification to Quinte West City Hall (7 Creswell Dr., Trenton) and pay the nomination filing fee ($200 for office of the mayor and $100 for all other offices). The filing fee is payable by cash, debit, certified cheque or money order.

  • Nominations MUST be filed in person at City Hall
  • If a nomination for a candidate is filed by an agent, a letter must be submitted at the time of filing which authorizes the agent to file on behalf of the candidate. The letter must be signed by the candidate, and commissioned or notarized by a person authorized under the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act or Notaries Act. In addition to this letter, an agent must also provide a copy of the candidate’s ID to be retained on file.
  • Please call ahead to ensure the City Clerk is available or email elections@quintewest.ca to reserve your registration time.
  • The Clerk or designated Elections Staff will walk you through the registration process and provide you with all the necessary information. Expect the registration process to take an hour.
  • Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. is the deadline to file a nomination. You must be in line at City Hall by 2 p.m. to meet this deadline. Any late filings for nominations cannot be considered or accepted.
  • All eligible candidates will be certified on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, at 4 p.m.
  • No person who proposes to be a candidate may solicit or accept contributions for election purposes or incur campaign expenses until their nomination has been filed with the Clerk.
  • At the time of filing, you will be asked to provide your candidate contact information (telephone number, email address), as well as a link to your future campaign website and campaign social media profiles (if applicable).
  • Your name, office of registration, Registration Form (Form 1), Endorsement of Nomination Form (Form 2) and campaign information will be posted on the City’s Election Website for the public to view and inspect, following your registration.

The campaign period runs from the date you file your papers until Dec. 31, 2026. Please consult the municipal election sign by-law (included in your candidate package) for detailed information on rules and regulations around campaign signs.

  • The final day to vote in the 2026 municipal election is Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Eligible voters can cast their ballot starting in October (advance voting dates to be determined) until Oct. 26, 2026, at 8 p.m.
  • Candidates or scrutineers (appointed in writing) can be present at the following times:
    • When the voting software is launched on the first day of voting
    • At any other voter assistance centre while it is open
    • When the results are coming in on Oct. 26, 2026
  • Scrutineers must follow all regulations set out in the City of Quinte West’s candidate’s manual for municipal council.

The responsibilities of candidates don’t end after election day. Candidates are required to retrieve signs, submit financial statements and complete other duties as listed in the City of Quinte West candidate’s manual for municipal council in order to be a candidate in a future municipal election.

1

Pick up a candidate information package at Quinte West City Hall

The City Clerk will provide you with the package and answer any questions. Packages will be available starting April 17, 2026. The package contains:

  • City of Quinte West’s candidate’s manual for municipal council (PDF)
  • Municipal election sign by-law (PDF)
  • Use of corporate resources for election purposes (PDF)
  • 2026 Candidate’s Guide – Ministry of Municipal Affairs (link) 
    • The 2026 Guide will be made available once it is provided to the City by the Province
  • AMCTO Candidate’s Guide to Accessible Elections (link)
  • Municipal Election Freedom of Information (FOI) Release
  • Nomination Form (Form 1)
  • Endorsement of Nomination (Form 2) *Not required for school board trustee
  • Declaration of Qualifications Form – Council (Form EL18A), School Board (Form EL18B)
  • Withdrawal of Nomination Form (Form EL19)
  • Financial Statement – Auditor’s Report (Form 4)
  • Preliminary Calculation of Campaign expense and Self-Contribution Limits 
  • Notice of Penalties
2

Get endorsement signatures

Get endorsement signatures from at least 25 eligible electors using Endorsement of Nomination (Form 2).

This is also the perfect opportunity to learn more about what’s involved in serving on council. We recommend watching past council meetings, reading the Ontario municipal councillor’s guide and talking with a councillor in your ward.

Endorsement signatures are required for mayor and council positions, not school board trustees.

3

Nomination and registration

Starting on Friday, May 1, 2026, through to Aug. 21, 2026, at 2 p.m., you can file for nomination during office hours of the Office of the City Clerk (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Bring your completed forms and valid identification to Quinte West City Hall (7 Creswell Dr., Trenton) and pay the nomination filing fee ($200 for office of the mayor and $100 for all other offices). The filing fee is payable by cash, debit, certified cheque or money order.

  • Nominations MUST be filed in person at City Hall
  • If a nomination for a candidate is filed by an agent, a letter must be submitted at the time of filing which authorizes the agent to file on behalf of the candidate. The letter must be signed by the candidate, and commissioned or notarized by a person authorized under the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act or Notaries Act. In addition to this letter, an agent must also provide a copy of the candidate’s ID to be retained on file.
  • Please call ahead to ensure the City Clerk is available or email elections@quintewest.ca to reserve your registration time.
  • The Clerk or designated Elections Staff will walk you through the registration process and provide you with all the necessary information. Expect the registration process to take an hour.
  • Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. is the deadline to file a nomination. You must be in line at City Hall by 2 p.m. to meet this deadline. Any late filings for nominations cannot be considered or accepted.
  • All eligible candidates will be certified by on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, at 4 p.m.
  • No person who proposes to be a candidate may solicit or accept contributions for election purposes or incur campaign expenses until their nomination has been filed with the Clerk.
  • At the time of filing, you will be asked to provide your candidate contact information (telephone number, email address), as well as a link to your future campaign website and campaign social media profiles (if applicable). 
  • Your name, office of registration, Registration Form (Form 1), Endorsement of Nomination Form (Form 2) and campaign information will be posted on the City’s Election Website for the public to view and inspect, following your registration.
4
Campaigning

The campaign period runs from the date you file your papers until Dec. 31, 2026. Please consult the municipal election sign by-law (included in your candidate package) for detailed information on rules and regulations around campaign signs.

5

The election
  • The final day to vote in the 2026 municipal election is Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Eligible voters can cast their ballot starting in October (advance voting dates to be determined) until Oct. 26, 2026, at 8 p.m.
  • Candidates or scrutineers (appointed in writing) can be present at the following times: 
    • When the voting software is launched on the first day of voting
    • At any other voter assistance centre while it is open 
    • When the results are coming in on Oct. 26, 2026
  • Scrutineers must follow all regulations set out in the City of Quinte West’s candidate’s manual for municipal council.

6

After the election

The responsibilities of candidates don’t end after election day. Candidates are required to retrieve signs, submit financial statements and complete other duties as listed in the City of Quinte West candidate’s manual for municipal council in order to be a candidate in a future municipal election.

Mayor and council’s time commitments

The term of office for an elected official is four years. Learn more about the time commitments required for each position below.

The mayor position is a full-time commitment and requires a regular presence in the office during business hours. The mayor works closely with council, senior staff and community partners to develop plans and strategies that support the city. 

Serving as a councillor is considered a part-time position. Generally, council members can expect to spend a minimum of 20-25 hours per week on council business, including: 

  • Council meetings
  • Committee meetings
  • Public information meetings and open houses 
  • Meeting preparation

Council members also attend community events and meetings.

Candidate workshops and information sessions

Candidate information session

The City of Quinte West will host a candidate information session with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. 

When: Tuesday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Quinte West Council Chambers, 7 Creswell Dr., Trenton

This session, run by Ministry staff, will include an overview of the responsibilities set out in the legislation for candidates and third-party advertisers, as well as a general overview of the roles and responsibilities of members of council. 

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Healthy Democracy Leaders Series

AMO is hosting a new, free online workshop series for leaders seeking re-election or first-time aspiring candidates. If you’re considering becoming a candidate, this series will equip you with the tools and confidence to: 

  • Reconnect with your values and what drives you to serve
  • Handle tough situations with skill and confidence
  • Prevent burnout and create sustainable leadership practices
  • Inspire trust and mobile authentic community support

Learn more and register for this free workshop series at amo.on.ca.

To become an official candidate, you must:

  1. Complete a Nomination Paper (Form 1)
  2. Collect the required number of endorsement signatures on the prescribed form (Form 2) (for council positions)
  3. Pay the nomination filing fee:
  • $200 for mayor 
  • $100 for all other offices
  1. Submit this documentation in person with the City Clerk between May 1 and Aug. 21, 2026.

You can only begin campaigning after your nomination is filed.

No. Municipal councils benefit from people with diverse lived and professional experience. Many candidates are first-time participants.

Yes. You must open a separate campaign bank account before you spend any money on your campaign. It is recommended that you open a campaign bank account immediately after filing your nomination with the City Clerk. All of your campaign donations and expenditures must come through this account.

Yes, with restrictions:

  • Only individuals who are residents of Ontario may donate
  • Corporations and unions cannot donate
  • There are per-donor and total contribution limits
  • All contributions must be recorded and reported

Yes. Many candidates balance work, family and campaigning. While the mayoral position is considered a full-time position, councillors can expect to dedicate approximately 20-25 hours a week to council business.

No, as long as you are eligible to serve on council, you can run in any ward.

Upon filing your nomination, the Clerk’s Office will provide you with more information, including: 

  • A candidate’s guide
  • Spending limits
  • Election finance rules
  • Election and campaign rules

Candidate resources

Key dates to remember

Candidate nomination period

May 1 – Aug. 21, 2026

Advance voting

October 2026 (exact dates to be determined)

Election day

Oct. 26, 2026