What happens if no one runs for Mayor? We have the answer

As of this morning (Wednesday), no one has declared their candidacy for Mayor in the Town of Smiths Falls for the upcoming municipal election.

That begs the question: what happens if no one runs for position?

Smiths Falls Chief Administration Officer Malcom Morris answered it for us. He says its covered under the Municipal Elections Act.

The CAO says there are two ways to deal with the lack of candidates. The first is:

Now, if no one declares at that point, Morris says they move to plan B.

Morris says a by-election where residents chose the mayor would likely be the best move.

That said, Morris is hinting that we will see the first candidate declare in Smiths Falls as soon as today (Wednesday).

All candidates, whether it be for mayor, councilor, or school board trustee have until August 19th at 2pm to declare.

We head to the polls in municipalities across Ontario on October 24th. Keep listening to Lake 88.1 and checking LanarkLeedsToday.ca for your best local election coverage.