Elections

• AMO's Lead Where You Live is a comprehensive guide for anyone considering running in the 2026 municipal election. This resource walks you through what municipal councils do, what it means to serve your community, and the steps involved in launching a successful campaign. Whether you’re exploring the idea or preparing to file your nomination, this guide provides practical information, tools, and insights to support your journey.
• By-law 2026-05 regulates the use of election signs in the Township.
• By-law 2026-11 regulates the use of municipal resources during the election.
• Municipal Elections Act

The certified list of candidates for the upcoming Municipal Election on October 26, 2026 will be available August 2026.

Friday, May 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

• First day to file a Nomination Paper for the offices of Mayor, Councillor and School Board Trustee.

• First day to file a notice of registration as a third party advertiser.

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

• Candidate and Third Party Advertiser Training, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (virtual via Zoom)

Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

• Deadline for candidates to
  • File a nomination
  • Withdraw a nomination
  • Change office

Monday, August 24, 2026

• Last day for the Clerk to certify candidate nomination papers.
• Declaration of candidates elected by acclamation, if applicable.

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

• Voters’ List available to candidates.

Monday, October 19, 2026

• The advanced voting period is from October 19, 2026 until Election Day, Monday October 26, 2026.

Monday, October 26, 2026

• Voting Day.

Information will be provided within the coming weeks. 

Beginning January 1, 2024, the Chief Electoral Officer of Ontario (Elections Ontario) became responsible for maintaining the voters’ list used in municipal elections and school board elections, a role previously held by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).

What does this mean for voters?

You must now register or update your voter information through Elections Ontario by visiting www.registertovoteon.ca.

The shift to Elections Ontario managing the municipal voters’ list means that all voter registration, updates, and corrections now go through Elections Ontario.

About the Elections Ontario’s portal

You can now use Elections Ontario’s Voter Registration portal to:

• Confirm your voter information
• Update your name or address
• Add yourself if you’re missing
• Remove outdated information
• Register property‑based eligibility (important in cottage country municipalities)

After September 1 up until election day: contact elections@southfrontenac.net or call 613-376-3027, to add your name to the list. You will need to come to the Council Chambers at 4432 George Street in Sydenham between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm to show ID. Tenants will need to bring proof of residency (e.g. a utility bill, internet bill, driver’s licence, etc.). Photo ID is not required, but the ID must be an original, certificate or notarial copy showing the person's name and qualifying address. See this list of acceptable ID and this form which you'll need to fill out to make an addition or correction to the voter's list.

Once you are registered on the voters list, you should receive your Voter Instruction Letter.

To vote you must

• Be a Canadian citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a Resident, Owner or Tenant of a Property in Ontario or Spouse of a Non-Resident Elector (see definitions below)
• Not be prohibited from voting under any law

Resident Elector

A resident elector is where a person lives and is eligible to vote in that municipality's election. A person is only allowed to have one residence.

Non-Resident Elector

If a person lives in one municipality, but owns or rents property in another municipality, then they are a non-resident elector and able to vote in that municipality's election.

Spouse of Non-Resident Elector

If a person lives in one municipality, and qualifies as a spouse of a non-resident elector, then they are able to vote in that municipality's election.

Students

Students can vote in the municipality where they attend school and can also vote in the municipality where they live.

A person is qualified to be elected or hold office, who, as of the day he or she files his or her nomination is:

• Entitled to be an elector under the Municipal Elections Act, s.17
  • Is a Canadian citizen;
  • Is at least 18 years of age;
  • Resides in the local municipality, or is the owner or tenant of land in the local municipality, or the spouse of such a person; and
  • Is not prohibited from voting as noted otherwise by law.
  • Not disqualified for violation of financial requirements or violations of requirements for filing financial information.
  • Not disqualified by any Act from holding such office
  • Not disqualified under the provisions as outlined in MEA, s 90(2) and 91(1)

For the 2026 Municipal Election the nomination period is from May 1, 2026 to August 21, 2026. Nominations may be filed either in person or by an agent with the Returning Officer on the prescribed forms, during normal business hours between Monday, May 21, 2026 to Thursday, August 20, 2026; and on Friday, August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day) between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm.

Please see the 2026 Municipal Election Nomination guide for further information (guide will be available April 2026).

Filing Fee

The filing fee must accompany the nomination. The prescribed nomination fee is $200.00 for the Head of Council (Mayor) and $100.00 for all other offices. The filing fee is payable by cash, certified cheque, money order or by a debit card.

Withdrawal of Nomination

If a candidate wishes to withdraw completely, the candidate must file a written withdrawal of their candidacy by no later than 2:00 pm on Friday, August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day) in the Clerk's Office.

Candidate and Third Party Advertiser Orientation Session

Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 6:30 p.m.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing will host a virtual orientation session for registered candidates and third-party advertisers. 

This training includes an overview of the responsibilities set out in the legislation for both candidates and third-party advertisers, as well as a general overview of the roles and responsibilities of members of council for those individuals considering running for a council seat. 

More information regarding this session as well as nomination forms and candidate resources will be posted in the near future.

Information will be posted shortly.

• Official Election Results and Declaration of Election Results
• 2022 Vote Count Summary

• Official Election Results and Declaration of Election Results

•  Results from 2014 Municipal Election