By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Friday marked the first day of nominations for folks running for a seat on Chatham-Kent council.
As of the close of business May 1, several hopefuls made it official by submitting nomination papers to municipal clerk Judy Shantz.
Election day is Oct. 26.
C-K councillors Lauren Anderson and Michael Bondy were among the first to file. Both lobbed their hats into the ring to run for mayor.
The 2026-2030 rendition of council will see fewer council members, downsizing from 18 to 15 members, including the mayor. As part of a comprehensive review, ward boundaries have been redrawn to better represent constituents. The changes were passed by council in March 2025.
The will be eight wards, up from six, with Chatham proper being divided into three separate wards.
- Ward 1 (South West Kent) includes Tilbury, Wheatley and surrounding areas. It was not affected by the downsize and will be represented by two councillors.
Andrea Palmer filed her papers Friday.
- Ward 2 (South East Kent) includes Blenheim, Ridgetown and surrounding areas. It will be represented by two councillors, down from three. As of the close of business Friday, Brad Snobelen, Matt Lamarche and Matthew Giffin declared their candidacy in the ward.
- Ward 3 (North East Kent) includes Thamesville, Bothwell and surrounding areas. It will be represented by one councillor, down from two. Cory Couture and Emery Huszka have declared in this ward.
- Ward 4 (North West Kent) including Dresden, Mitchell’s Bay and surrounding areas, will be represented by one councillor, down from two.
- There is no change in Ward 5 (Wallaceburg). Two councillors will represent the community. Brendan Authier has declared he is running.
Chatham will continue to be represented by six councillors.
- Chatham’s Ward 6 (North West Chatham), to be represented by two councillors, covers the area west of St. Clair Street and north of the Thames River.
Alysson Storey has declared in this ward.
- Ward 7 (North East Chatham) will also be represented by two councillors. It includes the area east of St. Clair Street and north of Park Avenue.
Steve Kenney has declared in this ward.
- Two councillors will also serve Ward 8 (South Chatham).
Anyone interested in running for a seat on council has until the Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. to file.
Nomination papers must be submitted to the clerk by appointment, along with 25 signatures of endorsement.
The filing fee to run as a candidate for council or a school board trustee is $100, and $200 to run for mayor.
Fees can be paid by cash (including debit), certified cheque, or money order.
Residents are reminded that candidates cannot raise funds or spend money on their campaign until their nomination has been officially filed.
Nomination forms can be found online or can be picked up at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre.
