Starting today, the Toronto elections will accept nominations for the by-election in Ward 20.

Candidates have until October 16 at 2 PM to declare their intention to run for the position of council member in Scarborough Southwest and take the necessary steps to register, which include submitting a nomination paper with an original signature, providing proof of qualifying address within the City of Toronto, paying a nomination deposit fee of $100, and submitting at least 25 endorsements for the nomination from qualified Toronto voters with original signatures.

Nominations must be submitted in person at the City of Toronto Election Office at 100 Queen St. W., 1st Floor, Permit Alley. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. On October 16, the last day of the nomination period, candidates can register to run only between 9 AM and 2 PM.

Individuals or companies or labor unions intending to spend money to promote, support, or oppose a candidate in Ward 20 must register as an outside advertiser. This must be done between September 7 and November 29 (excluding holidays), and also in person at the Toronto City Election Office.

The City Clerk must certify the registration before a third-party advertiser can spend money on a campaign, accept contributions, or begin advertising.

Moreover, all registered third-party advertisers are required to identify themselves in advertisements and comply with the requirements set forth in the Municipal Elections Act of 1996, as stated by the city.

Qualified voters in Ward 20 are also encouraged to ensure they are on the voters' list.

On October 10, the Toronto City Council voted in favor of declaring a by-election in Ward 20.

The seat became vacant on July 26 after a long-serving council member, Gary Crawford, resigned to run at the regional level as a PC candidate in Scarborough Guildwood. He did not win this seat.

The by-election in Scarborough Southwest is scheduled for November 30.