Become a Candidate

Filing a Nomination

To become a candidate in the 2026 municipal election, you must file your nomination in person with the City Clerk. The nomination period is between May 1 and August 21, 2026.

Nominations can be filed Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays) at City Hall, Toronto Elections Office, 100 Queen St West.

On August 21, 2026, nominations can be filed between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Please use the appointment booking system to book an appointment to file your nomination. Walk-ins will also be accepted.

To file a nomination, you must provide:

• Nomination paper
• At least 25 declaration of endorsements (mayor and councillor candidates only)
• Acceptable identification
• Nomination filing fee (paid by cash, credit or debit card, certified cheque or money order, payable to ‘Treasurer, City of Toronto’)
  • The filing fee is $200 for candidates running for mayor and $100 for candidates running for councillor or school board trustee
  • Nomination fees are refunded after candidates file the required financial statement

Please note that original signatures are required on all forms.

If an agent is filing a nomination on behalf of a candidate, the agent must provide the above documents as well as their own identification.

Qualifications for Mayor & Councillor

To run for mayor or councillor you must be:

• A Canadian citizen
• At least 18 years of age
• A resident of the City of Toronto, or
• An owner or tenant of land in the City of Toronto, or the spouse of the owner or tenant
• Not legally prohibited from voting
• Not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office

Who cannot be a mayor or councillor candidate

The following people are disqualified from being elected as mayor or councillor:

• A judge of any court
• A member of the Provincial Legislature, the Federal House of Commons or Senate who has not resigned from their office by the close of nominations. Proof of resignation must be provided by the close of nominations
• A candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement or exceeded the prescribed spending limit in the last municipal election or by-election

City of Toronto employees

Employees of the City of Toronto who wish to run for mayor or councillor must take an unpaid leave of absence before filing a nomination paper. Documentation proving leave of absence is required.

Qualifications for School Board Trustee

To run for any of the four school boards you must be:

• A Canadian citizen
• At least 18 years of age
• A resident in the area of jurisdiction of the board
• Not legally prohibited from voting
• Not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office

Who cannot be a school board trustee candidate

The following people are disqualified from being elected as a school board trustee, or from holding office on any school board:

• A clerk, treasurer, deputy-clerk or deputy-treasurer of any municipality within the area of jurisdiction of the school board except those on an unpaid leave of absence
• A member of the Provincial Legislature, the Federal House of Commons or Senate who has not resigned from their office by the close of nominations. Proof of resignation must be provided by the close of nominations
• A candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement or exceeded the prescribed spending limit in the last municipal election or by-election

School board employees

• Employees of any school board (including supply teachers) are disqualified from being elected as school board trustee or from holding office on any school board, except during a leave of absence.
• The employee must be on a leave of absence before filing their nomination paper. Documentation proving leave of absence is required.

Types of school boards

• Toronto District School Board
• Toronto Catholic District School Board
• Conseil scolaire Viamonde
• Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir

Area of Jurisdiction (Where You Must Live to Run)

If you want to run for school board trustee, you must live within that school board’s area of jurisdiction.

• For the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), the area of jurisdiction is Toronto.
• For Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir, the school board boundaries expand beyond Toronto; however, if you want to run in a ward in Toronto, you must file your nomination paper with the City of Toronto (City Clerk’s Office).

Acceptable Identification for Candidates

Candidates filing a nomination must present current acceptable identification (ID) showing name, qualifying Toronto address and signature. This can be one piece of ID or a combination of two pieces of ID.

One piece of ID showing name, qualifying Toronto address and signature:

• Ontario driver’s licence
• Ontario Health Card (photo card with address)
• Ontario motor vehicle permit (plate portion)
• Cancelled personalized cheque
• Mortgage, lease or rental agreement
• Insurance policy
• Loan or financial agreement with a financial institution
• Document issued or certified by a court in Ontario
• Any other document from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government
• Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada)

OR

Two pieces of ID

First piece of ID showing name and signature

• Ontario driver’s licence
• Ontario Health Card
• Ontario motor vehicle permit (plate portion)
• Canadian passport
• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
• Certificate of Indian Status
• Veterans Affairs Canada Health Card
• Social Insurance Number Card
• Old Age Security Card
• Credit card
• Debit card
• Employee Identification card
• Student Identification card issued by a post-secondary institution
• Union Identification card or professional licence card
• Cancelled personalized cheque
• Mortgage, lease or rental agreement for property in Ontario
• Insurance policy
• Document issued or certified by a court in Ontario
• Any other document issued by the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government
• Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada)

Second piece of ID showing name and qualifying Toronto address:

• Ontario motor vehicle permit (vehicle portion)
• Income tax assessment notice
• Child Tax Benefit Statement
• Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E
• Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS)
• Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P)
• Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions
• Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Works
• Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program
• Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007
• Property tax assessment
• Insurance statement
• Mortgage, lease or rental statement for property in Ontario
• Credit card, bank account, RRSP, RRIF, RHOSP or T5 statement
• CNIB Card or a card from another registered charitable organization which provides services to persons with disabilities
• Hospital card or record
• Document showing campus residence issued by the office or officials responsible for student residence at a post-secondary institution
• Utility bill for hydro, water, gas, telephone or cable TV or a bill from a public utilities commission
• Cheque stub, T4 or pay receipt issued by an employer
• Transcript or report card from a post-secondary school
• Document issued or certified by a court in Ontario
• Any other document issued by the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government
• Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada)

Withdrawing a Nomination

If you no longer wish to be a candidate, you must file a Withdrawal of Nomination form in-person on or before August 21, 2026 at 2 p.m. Candidates cannot withdraw after the nomination period has closed.

Candidates who have withdrawn their nomination are still required to file a financial statement.

Changing Office

If, after filing a nomination, you wish to run for a different office, you must:

• File the Withdrawal of Nomination for the old office
• File a Nomination Paper for the new office
• Pay the nomination filing fee for the new office

Campaign Finance

When running as a candidate, you must follow campaign finance rules set out in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. You will also be required to file a financial statement after the election that reflects the money you raised and spent on your campaign.

Some important finance rules to keep in mind include:

• You cannot raise or spend any money on your campaign until you file a nomination paper.
• You must open a bank account for your campaign if you intend to spend any money or accept any contributions.
• Individuals can only contribute a maximum of $1,200 to a candidate for councillor or school board trustee and $2,500 to a candidate for mayor.
• You must collect the full name and address of everyone who contributes money or goods/services to your campaign.
• You cannot accept contributions from corporations or trade unions.
• You must follow spending and contribution limits provided to you when you file your nomination.
• Each campaign is separate and contributions and expenses cannot be transferred from one campaign to another.

Financial statement

You will be required to file a financial statement for each campaign.

• Withdrawn campaigns will show all financial activity from the day the nomination paper was filed until the day the withdrawal was filed.
• A current campaign will show all financial activity from the day the nomination paper was filed until the end of the campaign period (December 31, 2026).

Acceptable Methods of Payment

The City Clerk’s Office requires payment for certain election-related purposes, including filing a nomination to become a candidate or paying surplus funds to the Clerk at the time of financial filing.

The following payment methods are accepted for filing a nomination:

• Cash
• Credit card (VISA, MasterCard and American Express)
• Debit card
• Certified cheque
• Money order
• Bank draft

The following payment methods are accepted for paying surplus funds to the City Clerk:

• Cash
• Certified cheque
• Money order
• Bank draft

Please Note: Certified cheques, money orders and bank drafts must be payable to: Treasurer, City of Toronto

Role of Elected Officials

For more information on local governance and the role of mayor and councillor, please visit the City of Toronto’s About Your Local Government webpage

Candidate Information Sessions

Toronto Elections will offer candidate information sessions to provide candidates and third party advertisers useful information and resources about running their campaigns. Sessions will be held virtually and in-person at Toronto City Hall, Council Chambers. Virtual links will be provided closer to the event. Dates for these information sessions are listed below:

First Session: Becoming a Candidate – April 16, 2026 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Details:

https://toronto.webex.com/toronto/j.php?MTID=mc81add3015ccce33a2df0850cdff95a2

Webinar number:

2345 582 3150

Webinar password:

CITY (2489 when dialing from a phone or video system)

Join by phone

+1-416-915-6530 Canada Toll

+1-613-714-9906 Canada Toll (Ottawa)

Access code: 234 558 23150

Second Session: Becoming a Candidate – May 11, 2026 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Public Documents

Nomination papers, endorsements of nomination, and other public documents that are filed with the City Clerk can only be viewed at the Toronto Elections Office, City Hall, 100 Queen St West, 1st floor (Permit Alley) during regular hours of operation (Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays).

Financial Statements

• Filed financial statements are public documents and will be posted online in their entirety, including the names and addresses of all those who contributed over $100.

Candidates in Default

The candidates listed below are in default of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. This means that they cannot run or be appointed to any municipal office until after the next general election.

Last Name / Single Name	First Name	In Default Reason(s)
Abdulla	Wafi	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Abdulsalam	Bahira	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Achampong	Rocco	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Allan	Gru Jesse	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Allen	Shawn	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Aly	Atef	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Anandarajan	Anita	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Arale	Guled	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Arrobas	Avraham	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Asimakis	George	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Atkinson	Darren	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Atkinson	Darren	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Balaskas	Nick	Did not pay the late filing fee of $500
Bankas	Ben	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Beals	Claudette	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Berardinetti	Lorenzo	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Bonilla	Eliazar	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Bradford	Brad	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Britton	Bill	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Caputolan	Elvira	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Carrie	Mason	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Champagne	Michael	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Charlton	Matti	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Cheatley	Kevin	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Cohen	Gordon	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Courtney	Alistair	Did not file the required initial financial statement
de Dovitiis	Matias	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Deb	Samson	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Din	Waqar	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Forrester	Monica	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Francis	Theresa	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Garcia	Michelle	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Gasperlin	Branko	Did not file the required initial financial statement
George	Peter	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Golding	Adam	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Gordon	Randall	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Gorham	Andrew	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Gulyas	David	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Gupta	Arjun	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Hassan	Kaamil	Did not file the required initial financial statement
He	Heather	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Heaps	Toby	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Herelle	Cornelius	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Kandavel	Parthi	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Kandavel	Parthi	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Khoshdel	Reza	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Knott	Justin	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Ksiazek	Stephen	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Lester	Ryan	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Mahovlich	Colin	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Malek	Ferin	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Mammoliti	Giorgio	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Mann	Steve	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Mantas	Antonios	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Marcy	Brian	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Ng	Terry	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Nikolareizi	Laura-Maria	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Noor	Christopher	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Nouren	Hashim	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Pan	Daniel	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Parker	Vivian	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Paul	Serge	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Punwasi	Stephen	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Ramsumair	Dev	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Randhawa	Avtar	Did not pay the late filing fee of $500
Rizzo	Domenic	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Robinson	Sam	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Rousseau	Valérie	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Rupasinghe	Kevin	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Saccoccia	Chris	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Sadkowski	Ireneusz	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Samardzic	Igor	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Sanders	Lyall	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Saunders	Mark	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Shome	Sudip	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Sidiropoulos	Anna	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Simms	John	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Sinnarajah	Shean	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Spencer	Allie	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Sriskandarajah	Anu	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Straus	Meir	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Sualim	Suleiman	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Syed	Zuhair	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Tang	Weizhen	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Tranter	Jasmine	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Tull	Reginald	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.
Valle	Marco	Did not file the required initial financial statement
Weston	Wendy	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no  penalties apply.
Wood	Mary	*Filed during the grace period and paid the required $500 late filing fee - no penalties apply.