Candidate Information & Resources
The next municipal and school board election will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026. This is your opportunity to have a say in the future of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand. Find everything you need to know about voting, candidates, key dates, and more right here. Stay connected and never miss an update by subscribing to our Township newsletters for the latest election news and announcements.
Municipal elections in Ontario are held every four years on the fourth Monday in October and are governed by the Municipal Elections Act. These elections empower residents to choose a Mayor and Council who make decisions that shape everyday life in our community—from roads, recreation, and land use planning to waste and recycling, community safety, and other essential services.
Candidate Information
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The Council for the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand is comprised of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and three (3) Councillors. The Mayor also serves as Councillor on the upper-tier Council for the County of Northumberland.
There is one (1) regular Township of Alnwick/Haldimand Council, one (1) Committee of the Whole, and one (1) Municipal Planning / Regular Council meeting per month, with the exception of August. Special meetings are called as required. Council members are also required to take part in Advisory Committee meetings and sit on external Local Boards, such as the Alnwick Haldimand Public Library Board and Conservation Authorities.
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Candidate Information Session:
April 16, 2026 at 6:30pm, Baltimore Recreation Centre (23 Community Centre Rd, Baltimore). Co-hosted by Alnwick/Haldimand, Hamilton, and Cramahe Townships
Learn about Roles of Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor, Responsibilities and Time Commitments, Tips for First Time Candidates, Key Nomination and Election Dates
Meet the Township’s Election Team and learn about Township Operations
Candidate and Third Party Advertising Information Session: Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH)
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is hosting free online workshops to support individuals who are interested in running for municipal office in the 2026 Municipal Election.
These sessions are designed to help participants understand what it means to run for council, build confidence, and prepare for the nomination and campaign process.
Stream 1: For elected officials at the municipal level across Ontario who are considering re-election in 2026 and preparing for their path forward.
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.
Youth Information Session: A dedicated session for youth considering a run for municipal office, focusing on eligibility, roles and responsibilities of council, and how young people can get involved in local government. This session is intended to help youth understand the legislative framework and pathways to candidacy under Ontario’s municipal election rules.
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A candidate for municipal office must, upon nomination, be a qualified municipal elector and fulfill all of the following requirements:
Reside in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, or be the owner or tenant of land in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, or the spouse of such owner or tenant; and
Be a Canadian citizen; and
Be at least 18 years old; and
Not be legally prohibited from voting; and
Not be disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office.
You must be eligible to hold office on the day you file your nomination. For example, a person who is 17 years old but will turn 18 before nomination day must wait until they have turned 18 to file their nomination.
Who is not eligible?
Any person who is not eligible to vote in the municipality
An employee of the municipality who has not taken an unpaid leave and resigned
A judge on any court
An MP, MPP or Senator
An inmate serving a sentence in a penal or correctional institution
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A potential candidate must file nomination papers prior to receiving any campaign contributions and/or expending any funds on a campaign.
The nomination period for the 2026 municipal elections runs from May 1, 2026 until August 21, 2026.
Nomination forms will be available beginning May 1, 2026 from the Office of the Clerk.
Filing a Nomination
Starting May 1, 2026, Eligible Electors of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand may file their Nomination Papers for the 2026 Municipal Election with the Municipal Clerk by booking a Nomination meeting.
You may file your nomination paper by appointment only.
Meetings are being held at the Municipal Clerk’s Office located at 10836 County Road 2 in Grafton during regular business hours, beginning on Friday, May 1 at 9:00 a.m. until Friday, August 21 at 2 p.m. Appointments are subject to availability.
Nomination Filing Meetings can be booked by emailor by calling the Clerks Office at 905-349-2822 ext 32.
Once a Candidate has booked a meeting with the Municipal Clerk or designate to file their nomination, and the nomination package is received by the Clerk or designate, they will receive a Nomination Package.
The package includes all information in order to proceed with a nomination for the 2026 Municipal Election.
Schedule a time to meet with the Municipal Clerk.
Nomination Requirements
When filing a nomination, candidates must bring the required documentation:
Proof of identity
Completed Nomination Paper (Form 1)
Filing Fee (refunded upon successful filing of campaign financial statements)
$200 – Mayor
$100– Deputy Mayor
$100 – Councillor
Endorsements (Form 2)
Candidates for Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Councillor must also submit 25 endorsements using the prescribed Declaration of Qualification (Form 2).
Endorsers must be eligible to vote in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand on the day they sign.
Each eligible voter may endorse more than one candidate
All endorsements must be completed and signed on Form 2
Additional Filing Information
Candidates may withdraw their nomination no later than 2:00 p.m. on Nomination Day. A briefing for candidates regarding election procedures will be scheduled following the nomination period.
Candidates who obtain nomination papers from the Municipal Clerk’s Office will be advised accordingly of any further legislative changes passed by the Legislature that affect election procedures.
Candidates are encouraged to regularly visit the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand’s Election webpage (www.ahtwp.ca/elections) for updated election information.
If you have any questions about filing your nomination papers, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of the Municipal Clerk.
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Those wishing to run for English Language Public and Separate School Board Trustee must file their nomination with the Town of Cobourg Municipal Clerk, located at 55 King Street West, Cobourg.
For more information on the Nomination Process for English Language School Board Trustees, visit: www.cobourgvotes.ca
Those wishing to run for French Language Public and Separate School Board Trustees must file their nomination with the City of Oshawa Municipal Office, located at 50 Centre Street South, Oshawa.
For more information on the Nomination Process for French Language School Board Trustees, visit: www.oshawa.ca/city-hall/elections/.
If you're running for school board trustee, you don't need to provide endorsement.
Two (2) Trustees to be elected for Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (English Language Public School Board).
One (1) Trustees to be elected for Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (English Language Separate School Board). Nominations shall be filed in the Town of Cobourg Municipal Clerk’s Office.
One (1) Trustee to be elected for Conseil Scolaire Viamonde (French Language Public School Board). Nominations shall be filed in the City of Oshawa Municipal Clerk’s Office, 50 Centre Street South, Oshawa
One (1) Trustee to be elected for Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir (French Language Separate School Board). Nominations shall be filed in the City of Oshawa Municipal Clerk’s Office, 50 Centre Street South, Oshawa
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Nomination Period Opens: Friday, May 1, 2026
A campaign period begins when a candidate files their nomination papers.
Nomination Period Closes: Thursday, August 21, 2026.
Paperwork must be filed by 2:00 p.m.
Candidates are Certified on Monday, August 24, 2026
All candidates will be certified by the Clerk by 4:00 p.m. and before any acclamations are announced
Election Day: Monday, October 26, 2026
2026-2030 Term of Office starts: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Inaugural meeting of Council: Tuesday, November 24, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
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Candidate Resources
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Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing “2026 Candidate’s Guide: Ontario Municipal Council and School Board Elections”
Find out how to run as a candidate in Ontario municipal council and school board elections.
Association of Municipalities of Ontario “Lead Where You Live”
A Guide to Running for Municipal Council
AMCTO: Candidates Guide to Accessible Elections
This guide is intended to draw your attention to the measures candidates should include: literature through print media, audio and video messages, and access to your campaign office (if you are intending to campaign from an office that is separate from your home).
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This guide is provided by Northumberland County to all Mayor and Deputy Mayor candidates. Those who are elected or acclaimed as Mayor in the seven member municipalities will also serve on County Council. This guide outlines key responsibilities during your term as a member of County Council.
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Considering running in the 2026 municipal election?
Northumberland County and its seven member municipalities invite residents to learn more about how to get involved in the upcoming 2026 municipal election.
Whether you are thinking about running for municipal office or registering as a third party advertiser, this free information session will help you understand the process and prepare with confidence.
About the session
This session, delivered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), will provide a clear and informative overview of:
· Candidate and third party advertiser roles
· Rules and responsibilities under the Municipal Elections Act
· Key requirements, timelines and compliance considerations
The presentation is designed to support prospective participants at all stages of their decision-making process.
What to expect
· Presentation: Approximately 1-hour
· Question and answer period: 30 minutes following the presentation
· Local information: Representatives from Northumberland County and each member municipality will be available to:
o Answer questions
o Provide municipality-specific election details
o Offer guidance on next steps
Who should attend
· Individuals considering running for municipal office
· Those interested in becoming a third party advertiser
Event details
· Free In-person and virtual event
· Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
· Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Meeting information:
In-person
Council Chambers
555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg
Virtual Zoom information
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81955138257?pwd=Fnm7ZRBvae8hi3fZWjdt0Db5B9vwcZ.1
Meeting ID: 819 5513 8257
1-855-703-8985 Canada Toll-free
Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities
New June 2026 session dates have been added—don’t miss your chance to participate.
Dates:
Session 2 - June 23 (6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.)
Session 3 - June 25 (6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.)
Session 4 - June 30 (6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.)
This engaging four-part online series is designed for first-time candidates preparing to run in the 2026 municipal elections.
Participants will build the skills, resilience, and confidence needed to lead in today’s municipal environment through sessions focused on finding your purpose, managing conflict and building effective relationships, prioritizing mental health and wellbeing, and turning values into action through movement-building.
Workshop for Underrepresented Candidates
Additional June 2026 workshop date now available.
Date: June 9 (6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.)
Led by former municipal leaders, this session provides practical guidance and insider perspectives for those from underrepresented communities, while remaining open to all participants.
New June 2026 session date just announced.
Date: June 2 (6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.)
Participants will gain insight into what it’s like to run for office as a young candidate, learn how to build a strong campaign, understand candidate requirements, and explore effective approaches to voter engagement.
For full details, click here.
Urban Indigenous Peoples’ Information Sessions
Facilitated by Indigenous leaders with firsthand electoral experience, these sessions will provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and confidence around how to become a candidate and run a campaign.
Gain insight into what it’s like to run for municipal office as an urban Indigenous leader, explore key strategies for building a strong campaign, understand the requirements to become a candidate, and learn approaches to lead with cultural integrity and community connection.
For full details, click here.
Are You Registered to Vote?
All residents of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand must be on the Register of Voters to cast a ballot during municipal elections.
Now you can register once to vote in both provincial and local elections. Visit RegisterToVoteON.ca for information on eligibility, registration, and how to confirm, update, or add yourself to the Register.

