Information for Candidates

Who Can Run for Council?

To run for a position on South Huron Council you must be eligible to vote in South Huron. On the day you file your nomination for office, you must

• be a Canadian citizen,
• at least 18 years old,
• and qualify as a resident or non-resident elector. 

If you are eligible to run in the South Huron municipal election, you do not have to live in a particular ward (Stephen, Exeter, Usborne) to run for the Councillor office. You are only able to run for one office, if you file nominations for multiple offices, the previous nomination filed is deemed withdrawn at the time the new nomination is filed.  If you run in a ward where you do not live, you will not be able to vote for yourself. Having a campaign office or a business in a ward where you would not otherwise be eligible to vote does not make you eligible to vote in that ward.

During the next municipal election, South Huron voters will elect the following offices:

• Mayor 
• Deputy Mayor 
• Municipal Councillors for Stephen (2), Exeter (2) and Usborne (1) Wards
• School Board Trustees 

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor offices are elected at large, while the Councillor offices are elected by ward (only those residing in each ward vote for the ward offices).

The Role of Council 

The Municipality of South Huron has one Mayor, one Deputy Mayor, two Councillors elected to represent Stephen Ward, two Councillors elected to represent Exeter Ward and one Councillor elected to represent Usborne Ward. 

Role of Council Members

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has published a document called, "The Municipal Councillor's Guide." This guide provides an overview of the many duties and challenges elected officials at the municipal level face.

Mayor

The Municipal Councillor's Guide is the source of this abbreviated description for the role of head of Council, which in the Municipality of South Huron is referred to as the Mayor:

• to act as the municipality's chief executive officer;
• to preside over council meetings such that business is carried out both efficiently and effectively;
• to provide leadership to the council;
• to provide information/recommendations to council on policies, practices, procedures, to ensure transparency and accountability; and,
• to represent the municipality at official functions.

The Mayor of South Huron has special powers and duties under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act. For more information please view the Strong Mayor Powers page. 

Councillors

This abbreviated description for the role of Councillor is based on the Municipal Councillor's Guide:

• to represent the public and to consider the well-being and interests of the municipality;
• to develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the municipality;
• to determine which services the municipality provides;
• to maintain the financial integrity of the municipality;
• to ensure that administrative policies practices are in place to implement the decisions of council; and,
• to ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality.

Municipal Councillors also sit as members of a number of  Advisory Committees. These committees provide Council with recommendations. As a member of municipal council, you would be required to attend meetings of the Committees on which you are a member, and also to attend meetings of the full Municipal Council.

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Workshops

Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities 
Individuals interested in seeking re-election or first time aspiring candidates can register to take part in the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) new online workshop series. More information about registration can be found here. 

Running for Municipal Office - Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate
Focused specifically on diverse candidates, this free 90-minute workshop provides useful insights and strategies to support you in getting your name on the ballot. While these workshops do offer a focus on individuals from underrepresented communities, all are welcome. More information for registration can be found here. 

An Information Session for Youth Considering Running for Municipal Office 
AMO is offering a series of workshops for young people thinking about running for municipal office in October 2026. The sessions will provide insights and strategies to build your understanding of confidence around how to become a candidate and running a campaign. More information for registration can be found here. 

Election Resources