Finally, a politician everyone could love! The City of Wilton Manors is gearing up to elect its first-ever Dog Mayor, a friendly canine ready to represent their furry constituents, make special appearances and deliver endless tail wags.
The campaign, titled “Fur the People,” features a lineup of fun events that will lead up to the swearing-in of one good boy or girl this winter. This includes October’s “Bark the Vote & Costume Parade,” where the top 10 candidates will strut their stuff to win over voters. The official election will take place in November and the inaugural Dog Mayor will be crowned later this year at a holiday show.
Canine contenders are already hitting the campaign trail, but the city is still accepting new applications through September 27. Wilton Manors residents, as well as non-residents with a Colohatchee Dog Park membership can currently submit their companion into the race.
What does it take for your dog to become mayor?
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To run for paw-ffice, pet parents who are 18 years of age or older will need to submit an application on the city’s website, along with signed park rules, a waiver, their ID and current vaccination records.
The winning pup and their owner must be willing to commit to a two-year term in office, and the Dog Mayor should feel comfortable in crowds and reasonably socialized to be safe around others.
Is this Florida’s first Dog Mayor?
Surprisingly, Wilton Manors is not the first in the state to elect a four-legged politician, with Apopka’s famed Border Collie named Asher and Gulfport’s “Pet Mayor” Kirby. However, the Broward County city is trailblazing this tail-wagging tradition for the South Florida region!
How to follow along the race
Whether you think your dog has the paw-litical chops to run for office or you’re just looking to follow Wilton Manors’ most adorable race, find the campaign schedule and candidate updates on its Fur the People page. The Bark the Vote & Costume Parade is scheduled for Thursday, October 22.