Candidates

Who can run for Council?

To run for a position on Huron East Council you must be eligible to vote in Huron East. On the day you file your nomination for office, you must

Be a Canadian citizen,
At least 18 years old,
And qualify as a resident or non-resident elector.

If you are eligible to run in the Huron East municipal election, you do not need to live in a specific ward to seek election as a Councillor. Candidates may file nomination papers for only one office. If you submit a nomination for another office after already filing, the earlier nomination is automatically withdrawn when the new one is filed.

The role of Council

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has published a document called, "The Municipal Councillor's Guide." This guide provides an overview of the many duties and challenges elected officials at the municipal level face.

Please note that if you choose to run in a ward where you do not reside, you will not be able to vote for yourself in that ward. Having a business or campaign office in a ward where you would not otherwise be eligible to vote does not make you eligible to vote there.

During the next municipal election, Huron East voters will elect the following offices:

Mayor
Municipal Councillors for Brussels (2), Grey (2), McKillop (2), Seaforth (2), and Tuckersmith (2) Wards
School Board Trustees

The Mayor is elected at large, while the Councillor offices are elected by ward (only those residing in each ward vote for the ward offices).

Mayor

The Municipal Councillor's Guide is the source of this abbreviated description for the role of head of Council, which in the Municipality of Huron East is referred to as the Mayor:

To act as the municipality's chief executive officer;
To preside over council meetings such that business is carried out both efficiently and effectively;
To provide leadership to the council;
To provide information/recommendations to council on policies, practices, procedures, to ensure transparency and accountability; and,
To represent the municipality at official functions

The Mayor of Huron East has special powers and duties under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act. For more information, please view the Mayoral Decisions page.

Councillors

This abbreviated description for the role of Councillor is based on the Municipal Councillor's Guide:

To represent the public and to consider the well-being and interests of the municipality;
To develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the municipality;
To determine which services the municipality provides;
To maintain the financial integrity of the municipality;
To ensure that administrative policies practices are in place to implement the decisions of council; and,
To ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality.

Municipal Councillors also sit as members of a number of Advisory Committees. These committees provide 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 Municipal Council.

Thinking about running for Council?

If your passion for the community you call home has you thinking about running for Council, these upcoming AMO workshops provide practical tools and insights to help underrepresented and youth candidates step confidently into municipal leadership.

Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate

If you’re considering a run in the upcoming municipal election, don’t miss this valuable learning opportunity with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Virtual Workshop!

Dates:

February 4, 2026 - 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
April 8, 2026 - 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Join experienced municipal leaders as they share strategies for:

Crafting a clear and compelling message
Building visibility in your community
Gaining support and navigating the campaign process

For more details and registration, visit AMO's website.

Stepping into Municipal Leadership: Youth

If you are a youth interested in running for municipal council in October 2026, we have a workshop for you! The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for young people thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections.

These sessions will provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and confidence around how to become a candidate and running a campaign.
Facilitated by three current municipal leaders, Natasha Salonen-Mayor of the Township of Wilmot, Cam Wales-Councillor City of Brockville and Aidan Kallioinen-Councillor Town of Espanola, you will gain firsthand insight into

What to expect running as a candidate and as young person
Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
Understand what it takes to become a candidate
Strategies for engagement including communication
And more!

Dates:

Wednesday, February 18, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 -8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

For more information and to register, visit AMO's website.

Election resources

For more information about municipal elections:

Municipality of Huron East
72 Main Street South
PO Box 610
Seaforth ON N0K1W0

Phone: 519-527-0160
Toll Free: 1-888-868-7513
Fax: 519-527-2561