Election Information for Candidates
The upcoming Municipal Election to elect a Mayor, Municipal Councillors and School Board Trustees will be held on Monday, October 24, 2022. This Four (4) Year Term of Office starts November 15, 2022 and will end on November 14, 2026.
Candidate Information Workshop
A workshop for prospective candidates was held on Tuesday, April 26 in Haliburton. Click the link below to view the archived video on Youtube.
Official Guides
The Province of Ontario has published their official online 2022 Candidates' Guide for municipal and school board elections as well as a 2022 Third Party Advertisers' Guide.
View Candidates' Guide View Advertisers' Guide
Filing Nomination Papers
Nominations can be filed starting Monday May 2, 2022 and ending August 19, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. You must file in person at 2249 Loop Road, Wilberforce.
- The municipality has Nomination Packages available for interested candidates.
- Identification must be provided at the time of filing your nomination paper. If an agent is filing on your behalf they must have identification for you and provide their own identification.
- Anyone wishing to run for office on a council must submit the signatures of 25 eligible electors supporting the nomination. The individuals providing the signatures will each have to sign a declaration stating that they were eligible to vote in the municipality on the day that they signed the endorsement.
- If a candidate files a nomination, and then changes their mind and decides to run for a different office on the same council, they are not required to submit new signatures.
- Nomination fees are $100.00 for Councillors and School Trustees and $200.00 for the Office of Mayor.
Required forms:
These secure and fillable PDF forms are provided by the Province of Ontario and require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
- Nomination Paper – Ontario Form 1
- Endorsement of Nomination – Ontario Form 2* (with the signature of 25 voters supporting your nomination)
- Notice of Registration – Third Party – Ontario Form 7 (Declaration of Qualification)
* The requirement to submit Form 2 with 25 nomination signatures does not apply to candidates running for school board trustee positions.
Other forms:
- Financial Statement – Auditor's Report Candidate – Ontario Form 4
- Financial Statement – Subsequent Expenses – Ontario Form 5
- Notice of Extension of Campaign Period – Ontario Form 6
- Financial Statement – Auditor’s Report Third Party – Ontario Form 8
- Declaration of Identity – Ontario Form 9
Campaigning
- Campaign provisions have been clarified to allow candidates to access apartment buildings, condominiums, non-profit housing co-ops or gated communities from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. in order to campaign. Landlords and condominium corporations will not be allowed to prohibit tenants or owners from displaying campaign signs in their windows.
- Candidates and third party advertisers are required to identify themselves on campaign advertisements and signs, so that it is clear who is responsible for each sign and advertisement that appears or is broadcast.
Campaign Finance Information |
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Resources
- Election Accessibility Plan (coming soon)
- Election Sign By-law
- Use of Corporate Resources By-law
- AMCTO 2021-2023 Municipal Elections Calendar
- Highlands East Ward Maps
- 2022 Candidates' Guide
Podcast: Rebooting Local Government
This podcast features George Cuff being interviewed by Jim Hunt of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast and is a great listen for anyone who is thinking of running in the 2022 Municipal Election.
About Council and School Boards
The Role of Council |
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The Municipality of Highlands East has one Mayor, and one Councillor elected to represent each of the Municipality’s four Wards:
Role of Council MembersThe Municipal Councillor's Guide provides an overview of the many duties and challenges elected officials at the municipal level face. MayorThe MAH guide is the source of this abbreviated description for the role of head of Council, which in the Municipality of Highlands East is referred to as the Mayor to act as the municipality's chief executive officer;
CouncillorsThis abbreviated description for the role of ward Councillor is based on the guide published by MAH:
Municipal councillors may also sit as members of a number of Committees. These committees carry out work then reports back to council with recommendations. As a member of municipal council, you would be required to attend meetings of the Committees on which you are a member, and also to attend meetings of the full Council. Frequently Asked Questions about Council and Committees
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The Role of School Board Trustee |
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School board trustees are members of the District School Board. They are locally-elected representatives of the public, and they are the community's advocate for public education. What is a school board trustee?
What are the time commitments for a School Board Trustee?
District School Boards
School Boards are required, by March 31, 2022, to prepare a Trustee Determination and Distribution Report. The report will confirm the number of trustees to be elected and determine the distribution based on geographic and electoral population representation. What is a School Board?According to the Ontario Public School Boards' Association:
Excerpts taken from "Making a Difference for Kids: Running for Election as a School Board Trustee - Guide for Candidates and Communities" Published by the Ontario Public School Boards' Association. |
Candidates' Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file Nomination Papers? |
Nominations can be filed starting May 2, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. and ending August 19 at 2:00 p.m. Nominations must be on the prescribed forms and are to be filed with the Clerk or his or her designate at the Municipal Office, 2249 Loop Road, Wilberforce, ON in the following manner:
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How does a candidate choose which ward to run in? Do you have to live in the ward you are running in? |
A candidate can run for office in the ward of their choice. You do not have to live in the same ward you are running in as the municipality is amalgamated. Running in the ward where you live is usually the best choice as typically you know more people there and are better aware of the issues. You do have to vote from the address at which you reside. For example, you live in Ward 2, but are running in Ward 1. You have to vote in Ward 2. |
Are there changes from previous elections? |
The changes that came into force for the 2018 election and remain relevant for the 2022 election are: Eligibility, Third Party Advertising, Ranked Ballot Voting, Campaign Finance, Accessibility, Campaign Advertising and Election Administration for 2022. Amendments to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 – in force from the 2018 election forward, include: Term of OfficeNew Council deemed to be organized when the declarations of office have been made by a sufficient number of members to form a quorum, term of office for the 2022-2026 term of council will begin on November 15, 2022 at the earliest. Contribution LimitsRaise the limit for contributions to a single candidate or third party advertiser from $750 to $1200, consistent with the provincial limits. Self-funding LimitImpose a self-funding limit for municipal council candidates based on the number of electors voting for the office, to a maximum of $25,000 per candidate. The formula for calculating the limit would be $7500 + $0.20 per elector for head of council, and $5000 + $0.20 per elector for other council offices. Exemption to the 25 Signature Requirement for Nomination to CouncilCandidates in municipalities with fewer than 4,000 electors will be exempt from the requirement to obtain 25 nomination endorsement signatures through a regulation. In 2018, The Municipality of Highlands East had 9028 eligible electors. For more information please read Amendments to Ontario Regulation 101/97 to prepare for the 2018 municipal election. |
Are candidates required to provide a list of citizens supporting their nomination? |
There is the requirement that anyone wishing to run for office on a council must submit the signatures of 25 voters supporting the nomination. The individuals providing the signatures will each have to sign a declaration stating that they were eligible to vote in the municipality on the day that they signed the endorsement. If a candidate files a nomination, and then changes their mind and decides to run for a different office on the same council, they are not required to submit new signatures. The requirement to submit 25 nomination signatures does not apply to candidates running for school board trustee positions. |
How do you determine which name goes on the ballot i.e. nicknames? |
You should write down your name as you want it to appear on the electronic ballot. The name as it appears on the Nomination Paper is the name to be used on the electronic ballot. If a nickname is to be used, it is subject to the discretion and approval of the Clerk. You do not have to provide all of your names under Given Name(s) on the form. Only provide the one(s) that you want to appear on the ballot. |
I filed my nomination papers, can I assume my name will appear on the electronic ballot? |
No. The Clerk is required to certify each nomination after it has been filed. The Clerk will verify the candidate’s name is on the Voters’ List and eligibility. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure they meet all the qualifications and file proper nomination papers. Each candidate is responsible to ensure that their forms are in order. The deadline to certify the nomination papers is past the nomination deadline and this may result in papers being rejected. The clerk must be satisfied that you are eligible to run in order to certify your nomination. If your nomination is not certified, your name will not appear on the electronic ballot. |
When can I start campaigning and putting up signs? |
You can only start campaigning and erecting signs once your nomination papers have been filed. |
How do I know if I am disqualified from holding office? |
It is the responsibility of each candidate to ensure they are qualified to seek the office for which they are being nominated. If you are unsure, seek legal advice immediately. |
What is the definition of a residence? |
In accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 a person’s residence is “the permanent lodging place to which, whenever absent, he or she intends to return”.
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Are there limitations on entering apartment buildings after submitting nomination papers? |
Campaign provisions have been clarified to allow candidates to access apartment buildings, condominiums, non-profit housing co-ops or gated communities from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. in order to campaign. Landlords and condominium corporations will not be allowed to prohibit tenants or owners from displaying campaign signs in their windows. Here are the excerpts from the legislation: Access to residential premises88.1 No person who is in control of an apartment building, condominium building, non-profit housing cooperative or gated community may prevent a candidate or his or her representative from campaigning between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the doors to the apartments, units or houses, as the case may be. Display of signs at residential premises88.2 (1) No landlord or person acting on a landlord’s behalf may prohibit a tenant from displaying signs in relation to an election on the premises to which the lease relates. The legislation regarding the rights of candidates to enter apartment buildings, condominiums, and non-profits for the purposes of canvassing can also be found in: |
Did the Provincial and Federal Governments eliminate nomination fees? |
Currently, provincial legislation requires payment of nomination fees at the time of filing your papers. The fees are $200.00 for the office of Mayor and $100.00 for Councillor and School Board Trustee. Every candidate will be entitled to a refund of the nomination fee if they file their campaign financial statement and, if needed, the auditor’s report by the deadline. |
Does Internet and Telephone Voting keep a record? |
Yes, online and telephone voting does keep a record of the electronic ballot/vote. The ballot/vote are counted as they are deposited into the electronic ballot box. The Clerk is required to keep the ballots/votes for 120 days after the results of the election are declared. |
How are students counted towards votes? |
If a student in the Municipality of Highlands East meets the general eligibility requirements they are entitled to vote in the Municipality’s municipal election. |
How do I find out how many people are running in a ward? |
The Municipality will post the names of candidates online and at the Municipal Office as candidates file their nomination papers. |
How are financial statement forms provided to candidates? |
The Elections Office staff will provide you with a blank copy of the Financial Statement – Form 4 with your nomination package. The Clerk will also notify you by registered mail following the municipal election. These forms will also be available upon request with the Clerk’s Office at 705-448-2981 or by emailing us. Please note it is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure their papers are completed accurately, truthfully, and within the legislated timelines. Failure to submit your financial statement can result in the immediate removal from office if elected, the inability to run in the next municipal election, and other penalties under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. All financial statements are posted online upon their filing with the Clerk. |
Is it possible to do the nomination online? |
No, you still must file your nomination papers in person at the Municipal Office, 2249 Loop Road, Wilberforce. |
Are qualifications only at the time of the nomination or throughout the election? |
You must be eligible to run for office at the time of nomination and throughout the election. If you are elected, you must maintain your eligibility during your time in office. |
How do candidates prove the Voters' List if printed by them has been destroyed after the Election? |
Candidates will sign a declaration swearing that they will destroy the Voters’ List in an acceptable manner. If you would like to return your list to the Clerk’s Office we will ensure the list is destroyed on your behalf. |
Is there a Deputy Mayor position? |
Yes, the Municipality of Highlands East has a Deputy Mayor position. A Member of Council shall be appointed to serve as Deputy Mayor to assist the Mayor in carrying out their powers and duties and/or act in the place of the head of council or other member of council designated to preside at meetings when the head of council or designated member is absent or refuses to act or the office is vacant. The Deputy Mayor shall be selected by Council by a majority vote of the Municipal Council and appointed by by-law at the first meeting following the Inaugural Meeting of Municipal Council. |
If you are employed by the Municipality, a Board or Commission, does this disqualify you? |
An employee of a municipality or local board is eligible to be a candidate and to be elected as a member of the council or local board if he or she takes an unpaid leave of absence beginning as of the day the employee is nominated and ending on Voting Day. If the employee is elected to the office, he or she shall be deemed to have resigned from the employment immediately before making the declaration of office. Please consult legislation in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 and the Municipal Act, 2001. |
How do I withdraw my nomination? |
We have a Notice of Withdrawal form that you will be required to complete at the Municipal Office. This must be done before the close of nominations on August 19, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. |