Municipal and School Board Elections 2026
The 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections are set for October 26, 2026. The Clerk’s Department is committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and efficient election process for all residents.
This webpage serves as the primary source for election information, including key dates, eligibility requirements, voting methods, and latest news.
Please check this page regularly for the latest updates and information about the upcoming elections.
Annie Lemieux, Clerk, Returning Officer
Corporation of the Town of Hearst
925 Alexandra Street, Postal Bag 5000
Hearst, Ontario P0L 1N0
705-362-4341 (1001)
alemieux@hearst.ca
FREE WORKSHOPS & INFORMATION SESSIONS
Join AMO’s new online workshop series for leaders seeking re-election or first-time aspiring candidates—offered at no charge for participants
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.
Free online workshop for leaders seeking re-election or first-time aspiring candidates.
This workshop series is being offered for no charge in two streams. CLICK Here to register:
Stream 1: For elected officials at the municipal level across Ontario who are considering re-election in 2026 and preparing their path forward.
NEW DATES ADDED (Click here to register for new dates):
- April 23, 2026
- May 7, 2026
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.
NEW DATES ADDED (Click here to register for new dates):
- April 28, 2026 (Session 3)
- May 19, 2026 (Session 4)
- June 16, 2026 (Session 1)
- June 23, 2026 (Session 2)
- June 25, 2026 (Session 3)
- June 30, 2026 (Session 4)
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
Registration is FREE!
Running for Municipal Office - Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate
Focused specifically on underrepresented candidates, this 90-minute workshop provides useful insights and strategies to support you in getting your name on the ballot.
Facilitated by former municipal Councillors Steve Anderson and Jasvinder Sandhu, you will be taken through:
- What to expect running as an underrepresented 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:
- June 9, 2026 (6:30-8 p.m.)
Registration: FREE (Click here for the registration link)
Information session for youth considering running for municipal office
- What to expect running as a candidate and as young person
- Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
- Understand what it takes to become a candidate
- Strategies for engagement including communication
- And more!
Dates:
- Wednesday, April 15, 6:30-8:00PM
Information session for urban indigenous peoples considering running for municipal office
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for urban Indigenous peoples thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections.
These sessions will provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and confidence around how to become a candidate and running a campaign.
Facilitated by Melanie Pilon, the first Indigenous Mayor of Municipality of Wawa and member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and William Morin, member of Michipicoten First Nation and founder and leader of The First Peoples National Party of Canada (2004-2013), you will gain firsthand insight into:
- Why increasing Indigenous representation matters in Municipal governance?
- Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
- Understand what it takes to become a candidate
- Strategies to build confidence to lead with cultural integrity
- And more!
Dates:
- Wednesday, May 6, 6:30 – 8:30pm
- Wednesday, June 3, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Registration:
FREE and virtual
AM I ON THE VOTERS LIST?
Eligibility to register for municipal elections
To be eligible to register for a municipal election, you must be:
- 18 years of age or older;
- a Canadian citizen; and
- a resident of the municipality; or
- a non-resident who owns or rents property in the municipality; or
- the spouse of an owner or tenant of property in the municipality
Use Voter Registration to check, update, add or remove your voter information and/or property from the voters list. You will need to upload ID and/or property documentation.
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form.
You can be a resident in only one municipality or unorganized territory in a Northern Ontario district unless you are a student.
If you or your spouse own or rent property other than your home address in Ontario, you may be eligible to vote in more than one municipal, district social services administration board and/or school board election.
Learn more about voting in a municipal election in Ontario.
KEY DATES FOR THE 2026 MUNICIPAL AND SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS
2 0 2 6
Friday, May 1st, 2026
- First possible day of the candidate nomination period that ends on Nomination Day, August 21, 2026
Friday, August 21st, 2026
- Nomination Day. Candidate nominations may be filed 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 24th, 2026
- By 4 p.m., last day for Clerk to certify the nominations
Tuesday, September 1st, 2026
- Voters’ List available to candidates
Saturday, September 26th, 2026
- First possible day to hold an advance vote
Monday, October 26th, 2026
- Election day
Sunday, November 15th, 2026
- 2026-2030 term of office commences
2 0 2 7
Tuesday, March 30th, 2027
- By 2 p.m., last day for candidates to file initial financial statements and auditors’ reports