Candidate Information

Candidates can register for Nominations in-person between May 1, 2026 and August 20, 2026 during regular office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and are by appointment only. Nominations will be accepted on August 21, 2026 until 2 p.m. 

To file a Nomination, you must provide:

• Nomination Paper (Form 1);
• Endorsement of Nomination with at least 25 declarations of endorsement (Form 2); (Mayor and Councillor Candidates are only required to submit endorsements) 
• Current acceptable identification showing name, qualifying address and signature
• The Nomination filing fee paid by cash, debit card, or certified cheque, payable to the Town of Grimsby.
• The filing fee is $200 for Candidates running for Mayor and $100 for Councillors and School Board Trustee Candidates 

• Election Sign Deposit Application Form paid by cash, debit card, or certified cheque, payable to the Town of Grimsby. 
  • Mayor/Regional Councillor ($250) 
  • Ward Councillor/Third Party Advertiser ($200) 
  • School Board Trustee ($200) 

Please note that original signatures are required on all forms.

If an agent is filing a Nomination on your behalf, they must provide the above documents and their own identification. 

If Candidates do not file the required financial statement prior to the deadline as per the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, they are not eligible to receive a refund. 

A person cannot raise or spend money on an Election Campaign until they have filed the Nomination Paper.

*Nomination fees are refunded to Candidates once they file the required financial statement. 

*Election Sign deposits will be refunded within ninety (90) days after Voting Day, minus any deductions for the removal of any Election Signs by the Town.

*Please print all forms when they are available and contact Town Hall at (905) 945-9634 to make your appointment. 

To run for Mayor or Councillor, on the day the Nomination Paper is filed, a person must be: 

• A Canadian Citizen 
• At least 18 years of age 
• A resident of the Town of Grimsby or an owner or tenant of land in the Town of Grimsby, or the spouse of the owner or tenant 
• Not legally prohibited from voting 
• Not disqualified by any legislation from holding Municipal Office  

To run for School Board Trustee, on the day the Nomination Paper is filed, a person must be:

• A resident within the Jurisdiction of the board
• A supporter of the Board ("supporter" refers to the individual's support for one of the four publicly funded school systems. A list of supporters for each system is kept by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation).
• A Canadian Citizen
• At least 18 years old
• Roman Catholic (if running for a Catholic School Board)
• Not legally prohibited from voting
• Not disqualified by any legislation from holding School Board office

The following people are disqualified from being elected as Mayor or Councillor:

• A judge of any court
• A member of the Provincial Legislature, the Federal House of Commons or Senate who has not resigned from their office by the close of Nominations. Proof of resignation must be provided by the close of Nominations
• A candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement or exceeded the prescribed spending limit in the last municipal Election or By-election
• Employees of the Town of Grimsby who wish to run for Mayor or Councillor must take an unpaid leave of absence before filing a Nomination Paper. Documentation proving leave of absence is required

The following people are disqualified from being elected as a School Board Trustee, or from holding office on any School Board:

• A Clerk, Treasurer, Deputy-Clerk or Deputy-Treasurer of any municipality within the area of jurisdiction of the School Board except those on an unpaid leave of absence
• A member of the Provincial Legislature, the Federal House of Commons or Senate who has not resigned from their office by the close of Nominations. Proof of resignation must be provided by the close of nominations
• A Candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement or exceeded the prescribed spending limit in the last municipal Election or By-election
• Employees of any School Board (including supply teachers) must take an unpaid leave of absence before filing a Nomination Paper. Documentation proving leave of absence is required

Under the Municipal Elections Act, the Town Clerk is required to reject or certify the Nominations of Candidates on or before 4 p.m. on Aug. 24, 2026. A candidate who wishes to withdraw their Nomination, must notify the Clerk in writing by 2 p.m. on Aug. 21, 2026. The withdrawal must be original and may not be emailed, faxed or scanned. The Candidate must submit a financial statement including all financial transactions up to the time of the withdrawal.

When running as a Candidate, you must follow Campaign finance rules set out in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. You will also be required to file a financial statement after the Election that reflects the money you raised and spent on your Campaign.

Some important finance rules to keep in mind include:

• You cannot raise or spend any money on your Campaign until you file a Nomination Paper.
• You must open a bank account for your Campaign if you intend to spend any money or accept any contributions.
• A contributor's total contribution cannot exceed $1,200 for both Campaigns for Councillors or School Board Trustee Candidates 
• You must collect the full name and address of everyone who contributes money or goods/services to your Campaign.
• You cannot accept contributions from corporations or trade unions.
• You must follow spending and contribution limits provided to you when you file your Nomination.