The 2018 municipal election nomination period closes on Nomination Day, Friday, July 27, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
The City Clerk conducts elections for the following offices:
- Mayor
- City/County Councillors
- City Councillors
- School Board Trustees
The nomination filing fee for the Head of Council is $200.00. The fee for all other offices is $100.00.
Information packages for candidates and third party advertisers are available in the Clerk’s Department at City Hall and online at http://sarnia.ca/city-government/elections/2018-municipal-election.
Candidates for Mayor and Council must submit 25 endorsements from eligible voters. Candidates must use the prescribed form in their information package to collect their endorsements.
New in 2018, third party advertising in municipal elections is now regulated. Third party advertisers must register with the Clerk, identify themselves on advertising, keep financial records, and comply with the Municipal Elections Act. Third party advertising refers to advertisements or other materials that support, promote or oppose a candidate. Third party in this context is a person or entity who is not a candidate.
Corporations and trade unions can no longer contribute to municipal campaigns, but they can contribute to third party advertisers or register as third party advertisers. Individuals can also contribute to or register as third party advertisers.
Candidates and third party advertisers are advised to be aware of recent changes to the Municipal Elections Act. Please refer to the information packages, as well as resources offered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs at http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page18736.aspx.
The 2018 City of Sarnia voting period will take place from October 11 to 22, 2018 by internet and telephone only. Vote from home or anywhere using internet or a touch tone phone.
City Hall will be open during regular business hours throughout the voting period, as well as Saturdays 10:00 am to 4:00 p.m. as a voter help centre to assist eligible electors and to provide internet-connected devices. Additional voter help centres at Clearwater Arena, St. Patrick’s Catholic High School, Bright’s Grove Public School, and City Hall will be open on Monday, October 22 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.