Duane Hicks
Those interested in running for town council, either school board, or the local DSSAB in the Oct. 22 municipal and school board elections now can file their nomination papers.
Nominations opened as of yesterday (May 1), with nominations to close at 2 p.m. on Nomination Day (July 27).
For a wealth of up-to-date information on the municipal election, visit www.fortfrances.ca/town/mayor-council/elections
“Our website will have most up-to-date information on it regarding who has filed,” town clerk Lisa Slomke told the Times.
“I am not going to promise a minute-by-minute update but it will be a daily update,” she pledged.
Candidates can begin campaigning as soon as they file their nomination papers.
One new requirement for this municipal election is that candidates for mayor and council must get supporting signatures from 25 eligible voters before filing their nominations, Slomke said.
She clarified this requirement is tied to population size.
Since Fort Frances has more than 4,000 electors, candidates here must get signatures (also known as endorsements of nomination).
Those municipalities with fewer than 4,000 electors do not have this requirement.
This requirement does not apply to candidates running for school board trustee or the DSSAB.
The signatures must be in writing from individuals who are Canadian citizens aged 18 or older and live in the same municipality the candidate is running in (e.g., Fort Frances).
Candidates must meet the following requirements:
•they must be a Canadian citizen aged 18 or older;
•a resident of the municipality they are running in (such as Fort Frances), or an owner or tenant of land in the Town of Fort Frances, or the spouse of the owner or tenant (this does not apply to corporations);
•not legally prohibited from voting; and
•not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office.
Nominees must pay a $200 fee to run for mayor or $100 for any other position.
This money will be refunded to the candidates after the election, regardless of their success.
This is considered a personal expense, not a campaign one.
There also are changes to third-party advertising in municipal elections.
These parties include corporations, partnerships, unincorporated businesses and associations, and other groups which pays to have a message in any medium (newspaper, radio, billboard, etc.) that supports or opposes a candidate or a question on the ballot.
Third parties must register with the municipality where they want to advertise. This registration begins on the first day for filing nominations (May 1) and ends on the Friday before voting day (Oct. 19).
There is no registration fee.
Slomke said plans are underway to hold an information session for candidates and third-party advertisers here on Wednesday, June 27.
However, whether or not it happens depends on interest from participants (it will go ahead if at least 10 people sign up to attend).
There is no charge for the session but participants are required to sign up by June 21.
Those interested are urged to contact Slomke at 274-5323 ext. 1215 or via e-mail at lslomke@fortfrances.ca
The session will be hosted in partnership with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and provide attendees with information on topics such as the role of council and staff, the nomination process, financial filing, campaign period, candidate duties and responsibilities, and third-party advertisers.
The session also will include a question-and-answer period.
Election day will be held Oct. 22.
As previously reported, the town will be using telephone/internet voting for this municipal election.
More information will be provided about voting once nominations close.
The new term of council will begin Dec. 1, 2018 and conclude Nov. 22, 2022.
