Thinking of running for office in Brampton? Here’s how to become a candidate

If you’ve ever thought about running for public office, the upcoming Brampton municipal election offers the chance to put your name on the ballot.

Voters will elect a mayor, regional councillors, city councillors and school board trustees on Oct. 26, and anyone planning to run must first complete the city’s nomination process.

The City Clerk’s Office is currently accepting candidate nominations and will remain open until 2 p.m. on Aug. 21.

Prospective candidates can file nomination papers for the following offices:

• Mayor
• Regional Councillor
• City Councillor
• School Board Trustee for the Peel District School Board
• School Board Trustee for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
• School Board Trustee for Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir

Nomination forms and information packages for candidates are available online and at the City Clerk’s Office in Brampton City Hall.

Candidates must book an appointment to file their nomination papers, which must be submitted in person by the candidate or an authorized agent during regular office hours.

The filing fee is $200 for mayoral candidates and $100 for all other offices. Payment can be made by cash, debit, credit card, certified cheque or money order.

Anyone filing nomination papers must bring original identification showing both their name and qualifying address. The city says photocopies and electronic versions of identification will not be accepted.

Candidates should also be aware that they cannot spend or accept campaign funds until their nomination papers have been officially filed.

More than 400,000 Brampton residents are expected to be eligible to vote in this year’s municipal election.