Elections

• A signed nomination paper delivered to the clerk
• ID proving that you meet local eligibility criteria
• A form showing that 25 voters endorse your candidacy
• The nomination filing fee of either $100 (council member) or $200 (mayor)

• Elections Ontario provides the municipality with the voter list
• The clerk reviews this list to add and remove names and/or adjust voter information

• All candidates must file paperwork by 2 p.m.
• This is the last day for candidates to withdraw their nomination by providing written correspondence to the clerk by no later than 2 p.m

• All candidates will be certified by the clerk by 4 p.m.
• Acclamations are announced

• Candidates now have access to the voter list. Members of the public can access the list, but only to confirm they are on it, and that their information is correct
• From now until election day, requests can be made to the clerk to amend the list to add or remove voters or amend voter information

While some municipalities may have already held advance poles since September 26, 2026, this is the official election day

• Voting places are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. OCTOBER 26, 2026 unless otherwise established by the clerk

Are You Considering Running in the 2026 Municipal Election?

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for people thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections.

Focused specifically on diverse candidates, this free 90-minute workshop provides useful insights and strategies to support you in getting your name on the ballot. 

While these workshops do offer a focus on individuals from underrepresented communities, all are welcome.

Facilitated by former municipal Councillors Steve Anderson and Jasvinder Sandhu, you will be taken through:

• what to expect running as a diverse candidate
• critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
• understand what it takes to become a candidate
• identifying your target audience
• developing effective messaging and branding
• utilizing community engagement practices to enhance visibility and support
• And more!

Date: February 4, 2026 - 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Click here to resister for the Running for Municipal Officer - Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate workshop.

AMO’s Healthy Democracy Leaders Series: Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities

Join AMO’s new online workshop series for leaders seeking re-election or first-time aspiring candidates—offered at no charge for participants.

This workshop series is being offered for no charge in two streams:

• Stream 1: For elected officials at the municipal level across Ontario who are considering re-election in 2026 and preparing their path forward.
• Stream 2: For community members considering a run for municipal office in 2026—first-time candidates who want to build confidence before launching a campaign. Civic-minded leaders who want to explore whether elected office is right for them.

Each stream includes four inspiring sessions (you can register for the full series or individual sessions):

• Session 1— Finding Your Why – Leading with Purpose and Authenticity
• Session 2— Praise Your Rivals – Managing Conflict and Building Effective Relationships
• Session 3— What Matters Most – Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Session 4— Building Your Movement – Turning Values into Action

What you’ll gain by attending these sessions:

• Clarity of Purpose: reconnect with your values and what drives you to serve 
• Resilience in Conflict: handle tough situations with skill and confidence
• Personal Wellbeing: prevent burnout and create sustainable leadership practices
• Stronger Communication: inspire trust and mobilize authentic community support
• Practical Tools & Resources: customized workbooks, scripts, and templates you can use immediately
• Peer Connection: build relationships with others also preparing to run in 2026

Dates: Workshops are 6:30 - 8:00pm on the following dates (you can register for the full series or individual sessions):

• Stream 1: Register here for Stream 1
• Stream 2: Register here for Stream 2

**New dates available for Stream 1 and Stream 2:

• Stream 1: 
  • February 19, 2026
  • March 26, 2026
  • April 23, 2026
  • May 7, 2026
• Stream 2:
  • March 10, 2026
  • April 7, 2026
  • April 28, 2026
  • May 19, 2026

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO - Lead Where You Live - A guide to running for municipal council