2025 Municipal Election

Run for City Council

Serving on City Council is a meaningful way to make a lasting impact on your community. Diverse voices strengthen our city’s leadership! As a councillor, you’ll have the opportunity to:  

• Represent your community and be a voice for your neighbours.

• Influence decisions that shape the city’s future.
• Develop leadership skills and gain valuable experience in public service.

Are you ready to lead, listen, and shape the future? Learn more about how to become a candidate and find resources to guide you through the process on our Dedicated Candidates Webpage.

How to Submit a Nomination

To run in the 2025 municipal election, all nominations must be submitted in writing and must include:

• The name and residence of the candidate. 

• The signatures of a proposer and seconder, who must be present at the time of nomination. 

• The candidate’s signature, confirming their acceptance of the nomination.

Both the proposer and seconder must be eligible to vote in this election. That means they must be:

• A Canadian citizen

• 18 years of age or older

• A resident of St. John’s for at least 30 days immediately before election day. For Ward Councillor positions, they must be a resident of the ward. 

The nomination period for the 2025 Municipal Election is August 28 to September 4 at 4 p.m. The last day to withdraw a nomination is Friday, September 5 at 4 p.m.

To submit your nomination, contact the City’s Election Office to book an appointment:

📧 election@stjohns.ca
📞 709-576-3158

For full details about the nomination process, including forms, finances, candidate qualifications, and what to expect, visit our Candidate Information page.

Vote 

The City of St. John's will once again use a vote-by-mail system for the 2025 municipal election. If you are a resident of St. John’s, it’s important to check the voters list to ensure your vote-by-mail kit is sent to the correct address. You can confirm your information or register through our Voter Registration Portal, which will be available May 2025.

Key Voting Information:

• Voting kits will be mailed out the week of September 15 via Canada Post.

• If you plan to return your kit by mail, it must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, September 24.

• Voters can also return their completed kits to drop-box locations throughout the city. Locations will be announced closer to the election.

• On Election Day (October 2), voting kits can be returned in person, and in-person voting will be available at designated Election Centres.

• To vote in person, you must bring acceptable identification.

For more information about voting, please visit the voter information page. 

Elected Positions

Residents of St. John’s will vote to elect leaders in the following roles:

• Mayor – Serves as the head of City Council and represents the City as a whole. Provides leadership, chairs Council meetings, and speaks on behalf of Council decisions.

• Deputy Mayor – Acts in the Mayor’s place when they are unavailable and supports the Mayor in their leadership role.

• 4 Councillors-at-Large – Represent the interests of all residents across the entire city, not just one specific area.

• 5 Ward Councillors – Each represents a specific ward (geographic area) within St. John’s and advocates for the needs and priorities of residents in that area. Not sure which ward you are in? Use our Ward Look Up. 

Accessibility

• A vote-by-mail format allows voters to cast their vote from home.
• Election information can be found on the City’s website, social media, and through postal mail.
• Election information may be available in alternate format. Please contact the Election Coordinator for more information.
• Accommodations may be available upon request. Please contact the Election Coordinator for more information. If American Sign Language interpretation is required, a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice is required.
• Election materials meet Clear Print Guidelines, where possible.

Voting Centre Accessibility Features

• Accessible parking and drop off
• Wheelchair accessible
• Service animals welcome
• Wayfinding signage
• Voters may drop off completed voting kits or vote on site
• Privacy voting booths include: pens, large print voting instructions and list of candidates, magnifier and additional lighting
• Use of personal assistive devices to mark ballot (own pen, mobile device, smart phone, reader apps, etc.)
• Election staff assistance available on request