Election Information for Candidates

The eight municipalities of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell invite individuals interested in running as a candidate or registering as a third party advertiser in the 2026 municipal elections to attend a free bilingual training session offered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

This information session will provide an overview of the rules, responsibilities, and requirements related to the municipal election process.

Event Details:

• Who: Anyone interested in running as a candidate or registering as a third party advertiser in one of the eight municipalities of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell: Alfred-Plantagenet, Casselman, Champlain, Clarence-Rockland, Hawkesbury, Hawkesbury East, La Nation and Russell. The training and provided materials will be bilingual.
• When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
• Where: Community Hall, St-Isidore Recreation Centre – 20 Arena Street, St-Isidore
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Registration: To participate, please email your name and the municipality where you intend to submit your nomination to elections@nationmun.ca by 4:00 p.m. on April 20, 2026.
• Cost: Free

We encourage anyone interested to attend in order to obtain the information needed to properly prepare for the 2026 municipal elections.

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.

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

As Ontario heads toward the 2026 municipal elections, elected officials and aspiring candidates are being tested like never before. From navigating divisive politics and social media toxicity to maintaining personal wellbeing under constant public scrutiny, the demands of leadership can feel overwhelming.

Developed in partnership with Nominee, Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities is designed to equip you with the tools, resilience, and confidence to meet these challenges head-on — and to rediscover the purpose that brought you to public service in the first place.

Through expert facilitation, guided peer-to-peer discussion, and practical takeaways, you’ll leave each session with fresh insight, renewed energy, and a stronger foundation for leadership.

This workshop series is offered through AMO’s Healthy Democracy Project, please find additional research and resources on the Project’s website. If you are interested in more of the Project’s initiatives, please join us at the 2nd Annual Healthy Democracy Forum in October 18 and 19.

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.

Register here for Stream 1 

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.

Register here for Stream 2 

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

• Session 1—February/March 2026: Finding Your Why – Leading with Purpose and Authenticity
• Session 2—March/April 2026: Praise Your Rivals – Managing Conflict and Building Effective Relationships
• Session 3— April 2026: What Matters Most – Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Session 4—May 2026: 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

For more information, click here.

Please email events@amo.on.ca with any questions.

Running for Municipal Office - Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate

To be completed by a person wishing to be a candidate in a municipal or school board election. Must be filed with the clerk of the municipality responsible for conducting the election, along with the prescribed fee.

Nomination Paper - Form 1

You will be redirected to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing of Ontario's website. The secure and fillable PDF forms are provided by the Province of Ontario and require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software. 

Endorsement of Nomination - Form 2
(with the signature of 25 voters supporting your nomination)

The requirement to submit Form 2 with 25 nomination signatures does not apply to candidates running for school board trustee positions.

• Candidates must obtain 25 original signatures.
• An individual providing an endorsement signature must be a Canadian citizen, aged 18 or older and have a qualifying address in the Township of Champlain. An individual may sign an endorsement for more than one person seeking nomination.
• The qualifying address provided must include the postal code.

Endorsement of Nomination - Form 2

You will be redirected to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing of Ontario's website. The secure and fillable PDF forms are provided by the Province of Ontario and require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software. 

Notice of Registration - Third Party - Form 7

To be completed by an individual, corporation or trade union that wishes to incur expenses for a question on a municipal ballot. Must be filed with the municipal clerk.

Notice of Registration - Third Party - Form 7

You will be redirected to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing of Ontario's website. The secure and fillable PDF forms are provided by the Province of Ontario and require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software. 

May1 to August 21, at 2:00 p.m. - Nomination Period

Nomination and registration periods begin on May 1, 2026 for the Offices of Mayor, Councillors and School Board Trustees.

Nominations will be received by the Clerk at any time between May 1, 2026 and August 20, 2026 during regular business hours (Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) and on August 21, 2026 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (Nomination Day).

Nomination Day: Friday, August 21, 2026 (9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)

Deadline to withdraw a nomination: Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

May 1 to October 23 - Third Party Advertising Registration Period

Filings or registration accepted Monday, May 1 to Friday, October 23, 2026 to register a third-party advertiser.

 August 21 to November 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m - Lame Duck Period

Lame Duck Period (Restricted Acts for Council)

 August 24 - Certification of Nominations

Clerk to certify candidate nomination papers (by 4:00p.m.).

Candidates elected by Acclamation to be declared (after 4:00p.m.).

 September 1 - Preliminary List of Electors Released and Election Signs permitted

Voters' List to be reproduced and available to certified candidates by request; A person may submit an application to have their name added to or removed from the Voters' List until Voting Day.

First day to post election campaign signs (must adhere to the Sign By-law 2013-15).

 September 20 to September 30 - Interim list of changes to Voters' List

Interim list of changes to Voters' List provided to certified candidates by request and revisions continue.

 September 30 - Last day to provide the final certificates to candidates and registered third parties

Last day to provide to Certified Candidates:

• Final certificate of applicable maximum expenses

• Certificate of applicable maximum amount of contributions to a candidate's own election campaign

• Certificate of applicable maximum amount for parties, etc., after voting day

Last day to provide to Registered Third Parties:

• Certificate of applicable maximum expenses

• Certificate of applicable maximum amount for parties, etc. after voting day

October 1 - Last day to establish a Compliance Audit Committee

Last day for Council to establish a Compliance Audit Committee for the 2026-2030 term of office.

October 21 to October 26 - Election Period (Internet & Telephone voting)

October 26 until 8:00 p.m. - Election Day

During the voting period, electors will be able to vote remotely using their own devices in the comfort of their home or at the kiosk located at the Town Hall.

October 27 - Official Results

Clerk to officially declare the results and provide information to the public on the number of votes, declined and rejected ballots.

November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030 - Term of New Council

New term of office commences November 15, 2030 until November 14, 2026. Elected members must take the oath of office prior to taking their seat.

The Inaugural Meeting will be held November 16, 2026, at a time and place to be determined.

First regular meeting of the new Council is on November 16, 2026.

December 31, 2026 - Campaign Period Ends

 End of election campaign period for candidates and registered third parties.

 March 30, 2027 at 2:00 p.m. - Filing Date

Deadline for candidates and registered third parties to file their initial financial statements and auditor’s reports (by 2:00 p.m.).

• Have an understanding of municipal campaign finance provisions;
• Demonstrate analytical decision-making and excellent communication skills;
• Have experience working with or as a member of government boards, task forces and/or quasi-judicial bodies; 
• Have flexibility to attend meetings during daytime and evening hours;
• Applicants with a background in accounting, auditing, law, election administration, and/or public administration are preferred;
• Applicants cannot be candidates in the 2026 Municipal Election;
• Can't have committed to providing professional advice to any person running for office in any municipality located within the United Counties of Prescott and Russell; and

• Applicants also cannot be Members of Council or current employees of any municipality located within the United Counties of Prescott and Russell.

Information to be provided in 2026.