It’s campaign season in Portage Park, but this ballot may look a bit different and a bit more cuddly than others.

That’s because the Friends of Portage Park Advisory Council is inviting pet owners to apply for their furry friends to become the “Portage Park Pet Mayor.”

“Nominations are now open for the esteemed Office of Portage Park Pet Mayor!” they announced in a Facebook post. “Over the next month, prospective pets — fish, birds, cats, dogs and more — who are ready to lead can submit their names to the ballot!”

The council will accept applications through Aug. 20, and any pet living between Lawrence and Belmont, Knox and Narragansett is eligible for the ballot. The pet or a representative must also be able to attend the Portage Park Farmer’s Market on Sept. 21.

At the Sept. 21 market, visitors will vote in person between the final four pets, said Sophie McNeill, the council’s market manager. Between Aug. 20 and Sept. 21, online voting on social media will narrow the applicants to the top four, she added.

McNeill said they have already received applications for at least 15 pets since Sunday.

“Today we actually have somebody who has created an entire Instagram account for their dog who is running for mayor,” McNeill added. “And I got an email from somebody who was bummed that they are one block outside of the zone because they really wanted their dog to be able to be in the running, so people are just really excited.”

The pet mayor will be featured on the organization’s newsletter and social media. The top four candidates will receive election buttons, and the winner will also receive endorsement stickers, according to the Portage Park Farmer’s Market

Since this is the first election of a pet mayor in Portage Park, the council is still determining what the pet’s responsibilities and term length will be, McNeil said. They hope that the final candidates will help define the role of the pet mayor through their platforms, she added.

“We really try to make the market as community-driven as possible, so there are local establishments, vendors, lots of community organizing within the market,” McNeil said. “A lot of families come and a lot of pets too, so we wanted to highlight all of our pet friends that are not only able to come to the market, but those that are unable to come to the market.”

Those hoping to nominate a pet for the office can do so by emailing friendsofportagepark@gmail.com and including their pet’s name and photo along with a short bio and the pet’s favorite place in Portage Park.