What you need to do
After the election, every candidate must file a Statement of Election Expenses with the City Clerk. This requirement comes from the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. Filing ensures transparency so voters can see how campaign money was spent and who supported your campaign.
Who must file
- Mayoral candidates
- Council candidates for all six wards
- Public and separate school board trustee candidates
Even if you withdrew your nomination before election day or did not win, you still need to file a statement if you were a registered candidate. The City Clerk's Office tracks all filings to make sure every candidate complies with the law.
When to file
You must submit your statement within 60 days after election day. For the 2026 municipal election, the deadline is Monday, December 26, 2026. The Election Office accepts filings during regular business hours. We recommend filing early to avoid any processing delays.
How to file
You can file your statement in person or by mail:
- In person: Election Office, City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1
- By mail: Election Office, P.O. Box 5678, Station Main, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1
Download the Statement of Election Expenses form from the Elections page. Bring your completed form and all supporting receipts. If you appointed a financial agent, they must also sign the form. The City Clerk's Office can review your draft before you submit it, so do not hesitate to reach out.
What counts as an expense
Report every cost related to your campaign. This includes:
- Advertising (signs, flyers, social media boosts, newspaper ads)
- Printing and stationery
- Staff and volunteer reimbursements
- Travel and accommodation for campaign events
- Equipment rentals (sound systems, tents, chairs)
Do not report personal costs or costs that do not relate to getting elected. Contributions you received must also be listed, along with the names and addresses of donors who gave more than $250.00. Keep all receipts and bank statements until the statement is approved.
Fines for late filing
If you miss the deadline, you will face a fine. The fine is $50.00 for the first day late, increasing by $50.00 each day until the statement is filed. The City Clerk will send a notice by mail if a filing is overdue. Paying the fine does not remove the requirement to file the statement itself.
Public access to your statement
Your Statement of Election Expenses is a public record. Once processed, it will be posted on the Elections page. Donor names and financial details are available to the public. Personal home addresses and phone numbers will be redacted in line with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
Get help
Having trouble balancing your books or figuring out what to report? The Election Office is here to help. Contact us at [email protected] or call 519-555-0100 to book a meeting. You can also check the Election rules and more page for detailed guides and video walkthroughs.