By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
Municipal election 2026 is nine months away but if you’re thinking about running, it’s time to get started.
To assist with that, a group of concerned citizens is putting on a free information event at Chatham’s Moose Lodge on Jan. 30.
The Chatham-Kent Prospective Candidate’s Information Session begins at 7:30 p.m.
Sheila Moir-Martin, who is running for a council seat in Chatham, said she and session co-organizer Brendan Authier are doing it because they want to encourage as many new candidates as possible.
“We want to provide a forum where they have the information they need to run,” Moir-Martin said, noting it’s an opportunity for like-minded people to network and share.
“There are many people in this community who are concerned about rising taxes and issues like homelessness,” she added.
Wallaceburg resident Brendan Authier, who is leaning towards running for one of two open seats in Wallaceburg, said the meeting is being held to encourage participation from potential candidates and volunteers.
“I want to help people to get ready for this election, not just for councillors, but for mayoral candidates as well as school board trustees,” Authier said.
“I think we need to see more community involvement in the election process, especially with our historically low turnouts,” he said.
Incumbent North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville, who will be attending the session, said it’s open to anyone who is curious.
“I advocate and encourage anyone who is even remotely contemplating running for council to come out,” Jubenville said.
Chatham-Kent municipal clerk Judy Shantz and her team will be on hand to answer questions and outline the rules around being a candidate. Other municipal staffers and council members have been invited to attend.
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