Running as a Candidate & Campaigning

This page provides essential information for individuals who wish to run as candidates in a municipal election. It outlines eligibility, nomination requirements, campaign rules, key dates, and responsibilities under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. Whether you’re considering a run for Mayor, Councillor, or School Board Trustee, this guide will help you understand the process from nomination to campaign close.

Why This Matters

Running as a candidate is one of the most direct ways to make a meaningful impact on your community. Candidates influence local priorities, decisions, and long-term planning. Understanding the process ensures a fair, transparent, and informed election for everyone. 

Check out the What is a Municipal Election? page for more information on what municipalities do for the community. 

At a Glance

  • Collect your nomination package in person at City Hall so you have all required forms and instructions.
  • Collect more than the require 25 endorsements to ensure you have enough complete and eligible signatures.
  • Review all forms carefully and file early to avoid delays or rejections
  • Bring valid ID and your filling fee to ensure your appointment goes smoothly
  • All nomination filings are required to be done by appointment
  • Remember that you must file your nomination before you can begin campaigning
  • Reach out to the City Clerk's office if you have any questions 

Candidates are required to book a one‑hour appointment to review and submit their nomination package.

An online booking link will be provided closer to the start of the nomination period.

We strongly encourage candidates to book early to ensure there is sufficient time to review all required documents and confirm that the nomination is complete.

For any questions about the nomination appointment, please contact election@cambridge.ca

 

Date Details
May 1, 2026 Beginning of Candidate Nomination Period and Third-Party Advertiser Registration Period.
June 1, 2026 Cut-off to register to update school support through MPAC
August 12, 2026 Cut-off to add or update your information on the Voter's List through Elections Ontario
August 21, 2026 Nomination Day: Candidates may File between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
August 24, 2026 Certification Day: certified candidates will be posted online 
September (TBD) Applications to revise the Voters' List begins
September (TBD) Mail out of Voter Notification Letters
September to October (TBD) Advanced Voting Period
October 26, 2026 Election Day
November 15, 2026 First Day of the new term of council
December 31, 2026 End of Campaign Period

Step-by-Step Guide for Candidates

1. Confirm you're eligibility

Running for municipal office in the City of Cambridge requires candidates to meet specific eligibility rules under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. These rules help ensure fairness, transparency, and accessibility for anyone seeking to serve their community.

Whether you are considering running for Mayor or City Councillor, the following information outlines the criteria you must meet before filing your nomination and beginning your campaign.

Before beginning the nomination process, you must make sure you meet all eligibility requirements to run for office. In general, you must:
  • Be a Canadian Citizen
  • Be at least 18 years old on Voting Day
  • A resident of Cambridge, or an Owner or tenant of land in Cambridge (or their spouse)
  • Meet any additional criteria specific to the office you wish to run for 

You are not eligible to run, if:

  • You're an employee of the municipality (unless you take an unpaid leave and resign if elected)
  • You're a Judge, member of Parliament or Sente (unless you resign)
  • If you are prohibited by law from voting
  • If you failed to file required financial statements from a previous election.

The City of Cambridge is divided into eight wards. However:

  • You do not need to live in a particular ward to run for Councillor in that ward.
  • You may run in any ward, regardless of your place of residence within the city.
  • Having a campaign office or business in a ward does not give you elector eligibility in that ward

School board trustees are elected during the municipal election to represent the interests of electors in their school board. In Cambridge, voters may be eligible for one of four boards:

  • English Public – Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB)
  • English Catholic – Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB)
  • French Public – Conseil scolaire Viamonde
  • French Catholic – Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir

To run for school board trustee, you must meet general eligibility requirements, and in some cases, additional requirements depending on the board.

2. Choose the office you want to run for

Before filing your nomination, you must decide which elected office you wish to run for in the City of Cambridge. Each office has different responsibilities, eligibility requirements, and geographic areas of representation. Understanding these differences will help you choose the role that best aligns with your experience, commitment, and goals for the community.

Candidates in municipal elections may run for:

  • Mayor
  • City Councillor (in any Cambridge ward)
  • Regional Chair
  • Regional Councillor
  • School Board Trustee (for one of four school boards serving Cambridge)

You may only run for one office in an election.

The Mayor is the head of Council and represents the City of Cambridge. This role includes leadership, governance, community engagement, and, because Cambridge is a designated Strong Mayor municipality, additional executive authorities.
  • Leading Council and Presiding Over Meetings: The Mayor provides leadership to Council, chairs Council meetings, and helps guide decision‑making on municipal policies, services, and priorities.
  • Representing the City at Official Events and Community Activities: The Mayor serves as Cambridge’s official representative at community events, ceremonies, public announcements, and inter‑municipal or provincial meetings, acting as the City's spokesperson.
  • Engaging with Residents and Community Stakeholders: The Mayor meets with residents, attends community gatherings, and responds to public concerns to ensure that community priorities are reflected in municipal decision‑making.
  • Serving on Regional Council: As Mayor of a lower‑tier municipality in Waterloo Region, the Mayor automatically sits on Waterloo Regional Council, participating in decisions about regional services such as transit, housing, policing, waste management, and public health.
  • Exercising Strong Mayor Powers: As of July 1, 2023, Cambridge is designated as a Strong Mayor municipality under Ontario’s Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act. Strong Mayor powers are additional authorities granted to the mayor in support of provincial priorities such as housing and infrastructure. For more information, check out our Strong Mayor Legislation page

Ward Councillors serve as the direct representatives of residents in one of Cambridge’s eight wards. Their role focuses heavily on constituent service, local advocacy, governance, and community presence.
  • Representing and Serving Constituents: Councillors receive concerns, complaints, and questions from residents, helping address ward issues by working with City staff or bringing matters to Council for discussion. Constituent representation is a core element of municipal council responsibilities.
  • Attending Community Events and Ward Activities: Councillors maintain an active presence across their ward by attending neighbourhood meetings, community events, celebrations, and local initiatives. This helps them stay informed about resident priorities and supports community relationship‑building.
  • Participating in Council and Committee Meetings: Councillors attend Cambridge City Council meetings and may need to serve on Committees where major decisions about planning, development, budgets, and city services are made.
  • Making Decisions on Local Services, Programs, and Policies: Councillors vote on municipal bylaws, budgets, programs, and service delivery affecting:
    • Local roads
    • Parks and recreation
    • Planning and development
    • Public works
    • Culture and community services

The Regional Chair is the head of Waterloo Regional Council and represents the entire Region. The Chair is elected at‑large by voters across the Region and leads regional governance, collaboration, and public engagement.
  • Leading Regional Council and Presiding Over Meetings: The Chair provides leadership to Council, chairs meetings, sets agendas in collaboration with staff, and helps guide decisions on regional priorities such as transit, housing, public health, policing, waste management, and major infrastructure.
  • Attending Council and Committee Meetings: The Chair participates in (and presides over) Regional Council and committee meetings where budgets, strategies, and by‑laws are debated and approved.
  • Representing the Region and Engaging with the Public: As the principal regional spokesperson, the Chair represents Waterloo Region at official functions, intergovernmental meetings, and community events, and engages with residents, businesses, and partners.
  • Working with Local Mayors and Regional Councillors: The Chair collaborates with the Mayors of the seven local municipalities (Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, and the four townships) and the elected Regional Councillors to coordinate programs and align regional and local priorities.
For more information and to file your nominations, please contact the Region of Waterloo.

Regional Councillors represent the City of Cambridge at the Region of Waterloo and participate in decisions that affect the entire region. Their responsibilities include:
  • Attending Regional Council and Committee Meetings: Regional Councillors participate in meetings of the Waterloo Regional Council, which includes the Regional Chair, directly elected Regional Councillors, and the Mayors of the seven local municipalities. These meetings address major regional priorities such as transit, policing, waste management, public health, housing, and infrastructure.
  • Representing and Communicating with Constituents: Regional Councillors receive concerns, questions, and feedback from regional residents and help connect them with regional programs and services. 
  • Attending Community Events and Public Engagement Activities Regional Councillors maintain a visible presence in the community by attending public events, neighbourhood meetings, consultations, and regional initiatives. These interactions help them stay informed about resident concerns and strengthen relationships across Cambridge and the region.
  • Collaborating with Municipal Partners Regional Councillors work with representatives from Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and the four townships to coordinate programs and advance shared regional priorities.

For more information and to file your nominations, please contact the Region of Waterloo.

School Board Trustees are locally elected representatives who govern Ontario’s publicly funded school boards. They focus on student achievement, well‑being, and equity across the entire board’s jurisdiction (not just one school), and they act as a bridge between the community and the education system.
  • Governing with a Focus on Students: Trustees maintain a board‑wide focus on student achievement, well‑being, and equity, and participate in decisions that affect all schools in their jurisdiction.
  • Attending Board and Committee Meetings: Trustees attend and participate in meetings of the Board of Trustees and its committees to set policy, approve budgets, and monitor outcomes, while holding the Director of Education accountable for implementing board policy.
  • Engaging with Parents/Guardians, Students, and Communities: Trustees communicate board decisions back to constituents, gather input from families and community members, and bring forward community perspectives to inform board policy and planning.
  • Policy, Budget, and Strategic Planning: Trustees set the board’s policy direction, approve the budget, and oversee multi‑year plans while ensuring provincial funds are used appropriately and that the board complies with the Education Act.
  • What Trustees Do Not Do: Trustees do not manage day‑to‑day school operations or act unilaterally, only the Board acts collectively. Operational management is the responsibility of the Director of Education and staff.
Available Offices
  • Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB)
  • Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB)
  • Conseil scolaire Viamonde (CSV): Contact the City of London Clerk for more information.
  • Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir (CSCM): Contact the City of Kitchener Clerk for more information. 

3. Prepare and file your nomination

Preparing your nomination package and filing is one of the most important steps in becoming a candidate. The forms must be complete, accurate, and filed correctly, or your nomination may be rejected under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.

Below is a full breakdown of what candidates in Cambridge need to know.

Nomination packages are available in person at the City of Cambridge City Hall (50 Dickson Street).

Packages will be ready closers to the beginning of the nomination period. To confirm availability or ask questions, contact election@cambridge.ca

Your nomination package includes provincial forms required under the MEA and City of Cambridge supplementary forms and guidance materials. 

Provincial Forms (Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing (MMAH))

These forms are mandatory under the MEA and must complete in full:

  • Nomination Paper (Form 1) 
  • Endorsement of Nomination (Form 2)
Your nomination package will also contain additional Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) forms that you may need at various points throughout the election process. These forms support activities such as appointing a proxy voter, filing financial statements, or extending your campaign period. They include:
  • Appointment for Voting Proxy (Form 3)
  • Financial Statement - Auditor's Report Candidate (Form 4)
  • Financial Statement - Subsequent Expenses (Form 5)
  • Notice of Extension of Campaign Period (Form 6)
  • Declaration of Identity (Form 9)

These forms are provided for your reference and future use, depending on your campaign activity and obligations under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.

Accessing Forms Online

All MMAH election forms are also available through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Central Forms Repository (CFR).

This ensures candidates can always access the most current versions if additional copies are needed.

City of Cambridge Supplemental Forms
Your nomination package will also include Cambridge‑specific forms and guidance materials prepared by the Clerk’s Office. These documents are required as part of your nomination filing and must be completed in full during your nomination appointment, in the presence of the Clerk.
Filing Fee (Prescribed by the MEA)

Under O. Reg. 101/97, s. 2, the nomination filing fees are:

  • $200 – Mayor (Head of Council)
  • $100 – Councillor or School Board Trustee
REMINDER:
Fees must be paid at the time of filing. Your nomination is incomplete without payment.

Endorsements are declarations of support from eligible voters in the municipality, confirming their belief that you are a qualified candidate. For an endorsement to be complete and valid, it must fulfill the following:

  • Signatures: 25 original signatures from eligible Cambridge electors.
  • Who Can Sign: Must be a Canadian citizen, 18 years old or above, and a Cambridge resident (or otherwise qualified to vote).
  • Details Needed: Full name, qualifying address with postal code, and original signature (no copies).
  • Multiple Endorsements: One elector may endorse more than one candidate.
  • Submission: File the Endorsement of Nomination - Form 2 (provided in the nomination package)

Important Note:

All endorsements must meet eligibility requirements, and every section of Form 2 must be fully completed. Incomplete or ineligible endorsements will result in your nomination not being certified. To avoid issues, we strongly recommend:

  • Reviewing your forms carefully,
  • Collecting more than 25 signatures to account for possible errors,
  • Filing early to ensure any error can be corrected prior to nomination day, and
  • Contacting the Clerk’s Office if you have any questions or would like a review before filing.

All nomination papers must be filed in person by the candidate or an authorized agent during the official nomination period.

Candidates must book an appointment to file their nomination in person with the City Clerk. An online appointment‑booking calendar will be made available closer to the start of the nomination period. Please monitor the City’s elections webpage or contact the Elections Office for updates.

When filing, you must bring:

  • Your complete nomination package (provincial + municipal forms)
  • Valid government‑issued identification
  • The prescribed filing fee ($200 or $100)
  • Completed Form 2 Endorsements (if applicable)
  • All City of Cambridge supplemental forms must be signed in person in front of the Clerk at your scheduled nomination appointment.
Filing by an Agent

If you cannot attend your nomination appointment in person, you may have an authorized agent file your nomination on your behalf. The agent must present:

  • A letter signed by the candidate authorizing the agent to file on their behalf
  • All completed provincial forms
  • All City of Cambridge supplemental forms
  • The required filing fee
  • Valid identification to confirm their identity
The candidate remains fully responsible for ensuring all documents are accurate and complete for certification.

Before attending City Hall for your nomination appointment, ensure that:

  • All required provincial forms are fully completed
  • All endorsement signatures (if applicable) are valid and complete
  • All City of Cambridge supplemental forms are ready to be completed and signed in person
  • Your government‑issued ID is prepared for verification
  • Your filing fee is ready in an accepted format
  • You are aware of the nomination deadline, August 21, 2026, established under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996
REMINDER:

Under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the Clerk cannot accept:

  • incomplete nomination packages,
  • forms containing errors or missing information, or
  • any submissions filed after the legislated deadline.

If you choose not to proceed with your candidacy, you may withdraw your nomination, provided it is done before 2:00 p.m. on Nomination Day, as required under Section 36 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.
To withdraw, you must: 
  • File a written withdrawal with the City Clerk (this form will be available in the nomination package)
  • Appear in person with valid identification to submit the withdrawal
  • Ensure the Clerk receives the withdrawal before the legislated deadline
Important
Withdrawals submitted after 2:00 p.m. on Nomination Day cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

If you choose to run for a different office, whether within Cambridge, within the Region of Waterloo, or for a school board position, there are several important rules that apply:

  • Your first nomination will be automatically withdrawn as soon as you file a new nomination for a different office. You cannot run two campaigns at the same time.

  • Each campaign must remain completely separate.
    This means you must keep separate campaign records, bank accounts (if applicable), contributions, expenses, and financial documentation for each campaign period.

  • You will likely need to pay a new nomination filing fee for the new office.

  • You may also need to formally withdraw your nomination in the original municipality or school board if you are switching to:

    • a different municipality,
    • a different school board, or
    • a different jurisdiction that does not share the same Clerk.

  • You may need new endorsement signatures, especially if the new office is filed in a municipality with more than 4,000 electors (including Cambridge).

  • You will be required to file a separate financial statement for each campaign, even if the campaigns were only active for a short time.

4. Certification of nominations

After the close of nominations, the Clerk reviews all nomination documents as required under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. Certification determines whether a candidate has met all legislative and municipal requirements and is officially entered into the election.

Once the nomination period closes, the Clerk conducts a formal review of all filed nomination papers to ensure they comply with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (MEA). This includes verifying:

  • All mandatory provincial and municipal forms are complete and accurate
  • Endorsement signatures (if applicable) meet MEA requirements
  • Candidate identification and eligibility
  • Filing fees have been paid correctly
  • All City of Cambridge supplemental forms were completed and signed in person

If everything meets the MEA requirements, your nomination will be certified, and will be made available through the Nominations and Certified Candidate Profiles page.

Reminder: If any requirement under the MEA is not met, the Clerk is legally required to reject the nomination.

If the number of certified candidates for an office is equal to or fewer than the number of positions available, the candidate(s) are acclaimed and declared elected without voting. The Clerk will make this declaration as part of the certification process.

5. Campaigning

Once certified, a candidate may begin campaigning. Campaigning includes any activity intended to promote your candidacy and communicate with voters, and must be conducted in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (MEA) and all applicable City of Cambridge by‑laws and policies.

Campaigning may include:

  • Distributing campaign materials (brochures, flyers, door hangers)
  • Engaging with residents at events or in the community
  • Placing election signs following municipal regulations
  • Advertising online, in print, or in person
  • Participating in debates, forums, or interviews
  • Using social media or websites to share information about your platform

All campaign activities must comply with:

  • City of Cambridge by‑laws (e.g., Election Sign By-law, placement rules, removal requirements)
  • MEA requirements regarding campaign conduct
  • Policies governing the use of corporate resources during an election
  • Rules prohibiting the use of municipal facilities, staff, equipment, technology, vehicles, or branding for campaign purposes
For rules related to campaigning, such as the Corporate Use of Resources During an Election and the Election Sign By‑law, please visit the Election Governance and Resources page for full details.

The City of Cambridge regulates when, where, and how campaign signs may be displayed. Candidates are responsible for reviewing and complying with the Election Sign By-law.

Key points include:

  • Municipal rules determine when signs can be installed, where they may be placed, and any size or location restrictions.
  • Candidates are responsible for removing all campaign signs in compliances with By-law specified dates.

For additional information, review our Election Sign By-law Information page.

Candidates must follow the City of Cambridge’s Use of Corporate Resources During an Election Policy. This policy ensures that municipal property, staff, facilities, equipment, technology, and communication channels are not used for campaign purposes.

In general:

  • Municipal resources cannot be used to support or oppose a campaign
  • City staff must remain politically neutral
  • City logos, photos, branding, and social media content cannot appear in campaign materials
  • Campaigning is not permitted on municipal property except where allowed under the Election Sign By-law

For full details, including specific rules and examples of what is and is not permitted, please visit the Use of Corporate Resources During an Election Policy page.

It is the candidate’s responsibility to provide voters with accurate and accessible information about their campaign. The City Clerk does not distribute candidate contact information or campaign materials to voters. Additionally, these materials cannot be displayed or distributed on public property, during city events or at polling locations (please see the Election Governance and Resources page for more information)

The MEA does not require debates to be held, and the municipal clerk does not organize debates or forums.

Debates may be organized by:

  • Community groups
  • Media outlets
  • Schools or neighbourhood organizations
  • Individual candidates or campaign teams
  • Any other interested parties

Participation is optional, and candidates are responsible for monitoring local debate opportunities.

Third party advertisers (TPAs) are individuals, corporations, or trade unions that register to conduct advertising that promotes, supports, or opposes a candidate. While candidates and TPAs may share similar campaign goals, they operate independently under the Municipal Elections Act. Candidates cannot direct a third-party advertiser’s activities, and TPAs must not coordinate their advertising with a candidate’s campaign. Any advertising that appears to work jointly with a candidate may be considered a violation of the Municipal Elections Act.

Candidates may continue campaigning on Voting Day (October 26, 2026).

However:

  • No campaigning is permitted inside or on the property of any voting place, including parking lots, lobbies, and walkways.
  • No signs may be placed on voting place properties.

6. Ending your campaign

After voting day in Cambridge:

  • all advertisements, including online ads, must be removed
  • all campaign signs must be taken down
  • campaign bank accounts must remain open until all financial activity has ended

Campaigns typically end on December 31 of the election year.

If the campaign has a deficit, you may extend it by notifying the Clerk in writing.

All candidates must file a financial statement with the City Clerk by the legislated deadline.
For more information on Financials visit the Campaign and Advertising Financial Guidelines page

More Information

For more information regarding Elections, contact the City of Cambridge's Clerks' Office

Clerks' Office
50 Dickson Street
PO Box 669 
Cambridge, ON N1R 5W8
Telephone: (519) 513-6415