Elections

Municipal & School Board Election 2026

The 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections will take place on October 26, 2026. 

The Clerk is appointed as the Municipal Returning Officer by statute and is responsible for the administration and management of municipal elections every four years in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act.

Am I on the voters list?

It's quick and easy to check your voter information!

For the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, the voters’ list will be prepared using the Permanent Register of Electors maintained by Elections Ontario.

Even if you received a voter card for a recent federal or provincial election, this does not automatically guarantee that your information is up to date for the municipal election — especially if you have moved, changed your name, or need to update your school support.

What’s changed?

  • Elections Ontario is now responsible for maintaining the voters’ register used for municipal elections.

  • Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) no longer prepares municipal voters’ lists, but it continues to collect school support information, which determines which school board ballot you receive.

  • Municipalities use the register provided by Elections Ontario to prepare their official voters’ lists.

What should you do?

Residents are encouraged to check and update their voter information ahead of the 2026 Municipal Election to ensure they are included on the voters’ list and receive the correct ballot.

General Election Information

Join AMO’s Free Online Workshop Series

Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities
As Ontario heads toward the 2026 municipal elections, both current elected officials and aspiring candidates are facing increasing challenges, from navigating divisive politics and social media pressures to maintaining personal wellbeing under public scrutiny.

In partnership with Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and Nominee, this new online workshop series is designed to equip participants with the tools, resilience, and confidence to lead effectively — and to reconnect with the purpose that inspired them to serve their communities.

Offered at no cost
Delivered online
Two tailored learning streams


🔹 Stream 1: For Current Municipal Elected Officials at the municipal level across Ontario who are considering Re-Election in 2026

Workshop Dates (6:30 – 8:00 p.m.)

  • March 26, 2026
  • April 23, 2026
  • May 7, 2026

👉 Click here to register for Stream 1


🔹 Stream 2:  For First-Time Candidates & Community Members considering a run for municipal office in 2026.

Ideal for community members exploring whether municipal office is right for them and looking to build confidence before launching a campaign.

Workshop Dates (6:30 – 8:00 p.m.)

  • March 10, 2026
  • April 7, 2026
  • April 28, 2026
  • May 19, 2026

👉 Click here to register for Stream 2


📌 Why Participate?

Participants will:

  • Strengthen leadership resilience
  • Learn strategies for navigating challenging public environments
  • Build confidence in public service roles
  • Connect with like-minded leaders across Ontario

🔗 Learn More

Full workshop details and registration information are available through AMO. https://www.amo.on.ca/healthy-democracy/amos-healthy-democracy-leadership-series-supporting-local-leadership-run-2026 

 

Below are the important dates and deadlines for candidates, third party advertisers, and voters for the 2026 Municipal Election.

📅 Friday, May 1, 2026 

Nominations & Third Party Registration Open

First day to file a Nomination Paper for:

  • Mayor
  • Councillor
  • School Board Trustee

Once a nomination paper is filed with the Clerk:

  • Candidates may begin raising and spending money on their campaign
  • A preliminary spending limit will be provided
  • A preliminary contribution limit will be provided to candidates running for Mayor and Councillor
    (Does not apply to School Board Trustee candidates)

Third Party Advertisers

  • First day to file a Notice of Registration
  • A third party advertiser cannot raise or spend money, nor begin advertising, until registration is certified by the Clerk
  • A preliminary spending limit will be provided upon certification

📅 Friday, August 21, 2026 

Nomination Deadline

  • Candidate nominations may be filed with the Clerk between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • By 2 p.m., last day for a candidate to withdraw their nomination by filing a written notice with the Clerk. 

📅 Monday, August 24, 2026 – 4:00 p.m.

Last day for the Clerk to certify nomination papers.


📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Voters’ List becomes available to certified candidates.


📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026

First possible day to hold an Advance Vote.


📅 Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Final spending limits provided to:

  • Candidates
  • Registered third party advertisers

Final self-contribution limits provided to candidates running for:

  • Mayor
  • Councillor
    (Does not apply to School Board Trustee candidates)

📅 Friday, October 23, 2026

Last day to register as a Third Party Advertiser.


🗳️ Monday, October 26, 2026

Election Day

Electronic Voting open until 8 p.m.

Voter Assistance Centre - Civic Centre Auditorium - 88 Riverside Drive, Kapuskasing, Ontario P5N 1B3
Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.


📅 Sunday, November 15, 2026

The 2026–2030 Term of Office begins.


📊 2027 Financial Filing Deadlines

📅 Thursday, December 31, 2026

End of campaign period for candidates and third party advertisers.

Last day to file a Notice of Extension (Form 6) to continue fundraising in order to eliminate a deficit.


📅 Tuesday, March 30, 2027 – 2:00 p.m.

Deadline to file the Initial Financial Statement.


📅 Wednesday, June 30, 2027

End of extended campaign period (if extension filed).


📅 Friday, September 24, 2027 – 2:00 p.m.

Deadline to file the Supplementary Financial Statement
(Applies only to those who extended their campaign period.)

 

Advance vote shall be held on the following days:

  • Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    Civic Centre Auditorium at 88 Riverside Drive

  • Wednesday, October 5, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    Civic Centre Auditorium at 88 Riverside Drive

  • Wednesday, October 12, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    Civic Centre Auditorium at 88 Riverside Drive and on-site at the following retirement homes:
    - 12 McPherson (11 a.m.)
    - 32 McPherson (Noon)
    - 55 Cedar (1 p.m.)
    - Jody Blais Building (2 p.m.)

Monday, October 26, 2026 

  • Electronic Voting open until 8 p.m.

Voter Assistance Centre - Civic Centre Auditorium - 88 Riverside Drive, Kapuskasing, Ontario P5N 1B3
Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Clerk's department is responsible for accepting nominations of candidates running for office, preparing voters' lists, preparing ballots, selecting sites and staff for voting locations for advance voting days and voting day, and certification and distribution of election results.

The Clerk, as Returning Officer, conducts elections for the offices of:

  • Mayor
  • Councillors (6)

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