Interested in running for town council? Nominations are open, and help is available.
The Town of Bancroft has a seven-member council. It is comprised of a mayor, three councillors in the Bancroft Ward and three councillors in the Dungannon Ward, but all positions represent the municipality as a whole.
“Candidates can run in any ward. You do not have to live in the ward to be elected as a councillor,” explained town clerk Amber Wannamaker.
The nomination period opened on May 1, and the last day to file a nomination is Friday, August 21, at 2 p.m. If you are interested in running for office, you will have to book a meeting with Wannamaker.
“The clerk or designate certifies a candidate after examining the nomination papers and will only certify if they are satisfied that the nominee is qualified to be nominated and that the nomination complies with the Municipal Elections Act,” she added.
Filing fees are $200 for the position of mayor and $100 for councillors or school board trustees.
Nomination fees are refunded to candidates once they file the required financial statement following the election.
“To run for a council spot, you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age, a resident of the Town of Bancroft or an owner or tenant of land in the town. You can also be the spouse of the owner or tenant. Anyone who is not eligible to vote in Bancroft or an employee of the municipality who has not taken an unpaid leave of absence is not eligible to run,” explained Wannamaker.
Judges, other election officials, inmates serving a sentence or candidates who failed to file the necessary financial statements in the 2022 municipal election are also disqualified from being on the ballot.
Each day during the Nomination period, the town’s website will include the unofficial list of candidates, which includes their name, the office they are running for, their qualifying address and contact information.
Interested candidates are encouraged to review the 2026 Municipal Election Information for Candidates for the Town of Bancroft, located at www.bancroft.ca, or in an alternative format upon request.
To make an appointment to file your nomination papers, call 613-332-3331 or email elections@bancroft.ca to schedule an appointment.
