Request to Review the Nomination Requirements for Mayoral Candidates - by Councillor Stephen Holyday, seconded by Councillor Nick Mantas

Some candidates resorted to advertising their number as listed on the ballot as a means to reduce voter confusion because of the number of names. According to media, one candidate registered along with a dog to run for Mayor. While it is important to ensure that barriers to participation in the democratic process are minimized, paradoxically the ease of registering so many candidates with very few minimum qualifications itself could ultimately reduce participation by countless voters in the process. Maintaining public confidence in the electoral system is critical to democracy and this balance should be examined. The refundable $200 nomination filing fee and the 25 endorsement signatures are required by the Municipal Elections Act. I am therefore recommending that Council request the Minister to review the required nomination filing fee and number of endorsements required to register as a head of council candidate, in light of Toronto's experience.