Record-breaking number of candidates set to run in Kitchener Centre provincial byelection

There are a record-breaking number of people running in theKitchener Centre provincial byelectionthis month.

The final list of candidates was posted to the Elections Ontario website Thursday afternoon and showed 18 people had filled out the paperwork to have their names on the ballot. Thirteen different parties are represented with five people running as Independents.

Patrick Smith, a public engagement officer with Elections Ontario, confirmed this is the highest number of candidates in an Ontario provincial election. The previous record was 12, and that was in theScarborough-Guildwood byelectionin July.

In order to get on the ballot, a candidate needs to fill out the paperwork and get signatures of at least 25 eligible voters in the riding.

A group called the Longest Ballot Committee is taking at least partial responsibility for the high number of candidates. The group says they urgedpeople to run to "encourage participation in our democratic system and spark dialogue about an inappropriate conflict of interest that weakens our democracy."

The group says it's a "conflict of interest when elected MPPs control the election rules."

The Kitchener Centre seat is open because former MPP Laura Mae Lindo stepped down in July.

Full list of candidates

The full list of candidates is (in alphabetical order by last name):

• Gene Balfour, Libertarian.
• Albert Michel Benlolo, Freedom of Choice, Peace and Justice Party.
• Debbie Chapman, OntarioNDP.
• Aislinn Clancy, Green Party of Ontario.
• Jonathan Davis, Public Benefit Party.
• Mark Dickson, None of the Above Direct Democracy Party.
• Rob Elliott, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario.
• Ali Engering, independent.
• Mario Greco, Populis Ontario.
• Peter House, Electoral Reform Party.
• Lionel Wayne Poizner, Party for People with Special Needs.
• Spencer Rocchi, independent.
• Raymond Samuels, Ontario People's Front.
• Paul Simoes, New Blue.
• Kelly Steiss, Ontario Liberal Party.
• Paul Stewart, independent.
• Patrick Strzalkowski, independent.
• John Turmel, independent.

Voting days

Advance polling dates have been set for 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 22 to 24 at three locations:

• St. Stephen Lutheran Church at 248 Highland Rd. E.
• Stanley Park Zehrs at 1005 Ottawa St. N.
• Victoria Hills Community Centre at 10 Chopin Dr.

Election day is Nov. 30.