The deadline for candidates to register for the upcoming municipal election in Ontario is approaching. Interested individuals have until August 21 at 2 p.m. ET to submit their candidacy for positions such as mayor, councillor, or school board trustee for the election on October 26.

In Hamilton, with just a few days left, it appears that Ward 5 and more than half of the school board trustee positions are likely to be uncontested. Currently, Ward 5 stands out as the only ward with a single candidate registered, which is the incumbent Coun. Matt Francis, initially elected in 2022.

In the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB), wards 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 14, and 15 have candidates running unopposed, with some of them being incumbent trustees. Similarly, at the Catholic board, five out of nine seats have only one candidate running, including wards 1, 2, and 15, where the current trustee was acclaimed in 2022. Additional wards with sole candidates include 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, and 14.

Candidates have the option to withdraw their candidacy until August 21, which is also the final date for any changes. Notably, some candidates have already opted to withdraw, like current Ward 10 Coun. Jeff Beattie, who is now running for the Progressive Conservatives in the Hamilton East—Stoney Creek provincial byelection scheduled for September 3.