July 27, 2026 - The deadline to become a candidate for Mayor, City Councillor, or School Board Trustee in the 2026 Municipal Election is Friday, August 21 at 2:00 pm.

To become a candidate, nomination papers must be filed with the City Clerk, in person, on the first floor of City Hall, 500 Donald Street East. Nomination papers may be filed by appointment only. Walk-in appointments will not be guaranteed. Please call 807-625-2230 or visit www.tbayvotes.ca to book your appointment.  

“This October, voters in Thunder Bay will show up and vote to elect the Mayor, City Councillors, and School Board Trustees who will make decisions that shape our community,” said Crystal DePeuter, Election Coordinator. “If you have been thinking about running for office and want to see your name on the ballot in October, now is the time to file your nomination papers.”

Nomination must be filed in person and include: 

  • Form 1 - Nomination Paper, it is the responsibility of the person being nominated to make sure their nomination paper is complete and accurate.
  • Form 2 - Endorsement of Nomination, endorsed by at least 25 people who are eligible to vote in our municipal election. Endorsements are required only if running for Mayor or City Council, not School Board Trustee
  • Declaration of qualifications
  • Consent to release personal information
  • Identification showing name, qualifying address, and signature
  • Applicable filing fee, $200 for Mayor, $100 for all others. The fee must be paid in cash, debit card, certified cheque, or money order.

Nomination forms are available online at www.tbayvotes.ca or can be picked up on the first floor of City Hall.

The Voters’ List
It’s important to review and confirm your voter information, especially if you have turned 18, moved or changed your name since the last municipal election. Even if you voted in the last municipal or provincial elections, you should confirm that the Thunder Bay voting office has the correct information for you. Being on the voters’ list means that you will receive a voter information card that will make your voting experience faster and more efficient. Visit www.tbayvotes.ca to review and confirm your information

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Contact:           Crystal DePeuter, Election Coordinator, 807-632-2487