ONTARIO – The formal process for the 2026 Ontario Municipal Elections has officially begun. Starting today, May 1, individuals interested in running for the positions of Mayor, Councillor, or School Board Trustee can formally submit their nomination papers to their respective municipal clerks. The nomination period will remain open until August 21, 2026.
To successfully file a nomination, candidates must submit the prescribed application forms along with a filing fee—typically $200 for the office of Mayor and $100 for all other positions. A key requirement for those running for a seat on a municipal council (in municipalities with more than 4,000 electors) is the submission of at least 25 endorsement signatures from eligible voters supporting their candidacy. Candidates are reminded that they cannot begin fundraising or campaigning until their papers are officially filed.
In addition to candidate nominations, today also marks the start of the registration period for third-party advertisers. Individuals, corporations, or trade unions planning to spend money on advertisements to promote or oppose a candidate must register with the municipal clerk. The deadline for third-party registration is October 23, 2026.
Voter eligibility extends to Canadian citizens who are at least 18 years old and reside in the municipality. Those who do not live in the municipality but own or rent property there—as well as their spouses—are also eligible to vote. Election Day is set for Monday, October 26, 2026, when residents across the province will head to the polls to shape their local government for the next four years.
