Municipal Elections

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.

Your participation matters. By voting in local elections, you help ensure Council reflects the priorities, values, and vision of the community. Make your voice heard and be part of shaping the future of Alnwick/Haldimand.

Candidate Information

  • Notice of Nomination for Office

  • 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.

    • 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)

      • Details to be determined.

    • 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.

  • 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

  • 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 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.

  • 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

    • 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.

Candidate Resources

Unofficial List of Candidates

The Nomination Period for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election opens on May 1, 2026 and ends on August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.  As nominations are filed with the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, the list of candidates will be updated. Candidates for each office are listed in alphabetical order by last name. Qualifying Address, Date and Time Filed, and Contact Details will also be provided for each candidate.

  • One (1) to be Elected for the Office of the Mayor.

  • One (1) to be Elected for the Office of the Deputy Mayor

  • Three (3) to be Elected for the Office of Councillor.

  • Two (2) to be elected for the School Board Trustee - English Public. (Nominations to be accepted by the Municipal Clerk of the Town of Cobourg)

    • Elizabeth Terrell

  • One (1) to be Elected for the School Board Trustee - English Separate. (Nominations to be accepted by the Municipal Clerk of the Town of Cobourg)

  • One (1) to be Elected for the School Board Trustee - French Public. (Nominations to be accepted by the City Clerk of the City of Oshawa)

  • One (1) to be Elected for the School Board Trustee - French Separate (Nominations to be accepted by the City Clerk of the City of Oshawa)

Voter Information

  • Municipal elections in Ontario are held every four years, on the fourth Monday in October, and are governed by the Municipal Elections Act.

    Municipal elections are how residents choose the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Council who make decisions about local roads, recreation, land use planning, waste and recycling, community safety, and other services that affect daily life in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand.

    Participating in local elections helps ensure Council reflects the needs and priorities of the community.

  • ‍ 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.

    Register to Vote with Elections Ontario‍ ‍

    • Campaign Period: Friday, May 1, 2026

      • Begins when a candidate files their nomination papers.

    • Voter’s List Revisions: September 1 to October 26, 2026

      • Individuals may file an application, including acceptable identification as in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, to make additions, corrections or deletions of own information to the Voters’ List.

      • A person may submit an application requesting that a deceased person’s name be removed from the voters’ list.

    • Voter Identification Letters mailed: To be Determined

      • Voter Identification Letters are printed and mailed to electors for the purposes of casting votes by internet or telephone. An exact date for mailout is to be determined, but voters should expect letter in early October.

      • Notice will be given when letters are mailed out. Please check back for further details.

    • Advanced Voting Days: Friday, October 16 to October 25, 2026

    • Election Day: Monday, October 26, 2026

    • 2026-2030 Term of Office starts: Sunday, November 15, 2026

      • The inaugural meeting of Council is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

Third Party Advertisers

A third party advertiser is an individual, corporation or trade union that pays for advertisements or other materials that support, promote or oppose a candidate or issue. Any eligible individual, corporation or trade union that intends to spend money on advertising must register as a third party advertiser.

You can register as a third party advertiser as of May 1, 2026.

  • You’re eligible to register as a third party advertiser if you are:

    • An individual resident of Ontario

    • A corporation carrying on business in Ontario

    • A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario

    You are not eligible to register as a third-party advertiser if you are:

    • A candidate in the municipal or provincial election

    • A group, association or business that is not a corporation

    • A federal or provincial political party

    • The Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or local board

  • If you’re registering as an individual, you must provide a piece of identification that proves your identity and that you live in Ontario. 

    There is no restriction against family members or campaign staff of candidates registering to be third party advertisers. However, third party advertising must be done independently of the candidate. 

    If you are a person with close ties to a candidate, you should consider the following:

    • How would these activities appear to the public?

    • How would you demonstrate that you are not working in co-ordination with the candidate?

  • If you’re registering on behalf of a corporation, you must provide:

    • Proof that the corporation operates in Ontario and that you are the director. This could include a corporate search or incorporating documents.

    • A piece of government-issued identification

    If the corporation has more than one director, provide a resolution from the board authorizing you to act as the corporation’s representative.

    Between multiple corporations owned by the same people or person or controlled by a single corporation, only one can register as a third party advertiser.

  • If you are registering on behalf of a trade union, you must provide:

    • Proof the union exists

    • Proof you have been appointed to act on the trade union’s behalf

  • Notice of Registration must be filed with the Clerk of each municipality where advertising will take place. 

    Notice of Registration may be filed beginning on May 1 to October 23 by appointment during regular business hours.

    Notice of Registration (Form 7) must be filed as follows:

    • in person or by an agent with an original signature; no faxes or electronically transmitted registration notices will be accepted.

    • with proof of identity, showing your name, address with your Ontario residence and signature, as prescribed in O.Reg. 304/13, as amended

    • with the Notice of Registration (Form 7)

    • with the declaration of qualification, signed by the individual or by a representative of the corporation or trade union

    • the person filing as the representative must provide proof that they are authorized to act on behalf of the corporation or trade union (a board resolution from the corporation or trade union authorizing you to act on behalf of the corporation or trade union).

    Book an appointment with the Municipal Clerk to register.

  • It is very important that the following mandatory rules are followed:

    • By Section 88.4 of the Act states that broadcasters and publishers may only permit third party advertisements to appear between May 1, 2026 and Election Day (October 26, 2026);

    • A registered third party must provide the following information to the broadcasters or publisher in writing before the third party advertisements appears:

      • The name of the registered third party;

      • The name of the business address and telephone number of the individual who deals with the broadcaster or publisher under the direction of the registered third party;

      • The municipality where the registered third party is registered

  • Most campaign finance rules that apply to candidates will also apply to third party advertisers. Third party advertisers will have spending limits and there will be contribution limits for those wishing to contribute to a third party advertiser. Corporations and unions will be permitted to contribute to third party advertisers, but will not be permitted to contribute to candidates.

    Rules for determining whether two corporations should be considered as a single corporation are simplified, so that it should be easier for corporations and candidates to determine whether the contributions from two corporations should count towards the same contribution limit to third party advertisers.

  • The following is a summary for broadcasters and publishers of their obligations under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (the Act) if they broadcast or publish a third party advertisement during the upcoming municipal election. For further information, visit the Government of Ontario’s website or contact the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. 

    The requirements for broadcasters and publishers include:

    Mandatory Information

    A registered third party advertiser must provide the following information to the broadcaster or publisher in writing before the third party advertisement appears:

    • Name of the registered third party

    • Municipality where the registered third party is registered

    • A telephone number, mailing address or email address at which the registered third party may be contacted regarding the advertisement. 2016, c. 15, s. 48.

    Maintaining Records

    The broadcaster or publisher of a third party advertisement must maintain records for 4 years after the date the advertisement appears. These records must contain:

    • Mandatory information described in section 1 (above), as outlined under section 88.5 (2) of the Act;

    • A copy of the advertisement, or the means of reproducing it for inspection;

    • A statement of charge made for its appearance.

    The public must be permitted to inspect the records during normal business hours.

    Charges and Contributions

    The broadcaster or publisher may not charge a third party advertiser more or less than their normal advertising rate. If less is charged, the difference is deemed to be a contribution to the third party advertiser. Providing free advertising is considered a contribution towards the third party advertiser, unless all third party advertisers are offered the same service.

    Broadcasters or Publishers as Registered Third Party Advertisers

    Broadcasters or publishers, who wish to conduct third party advertising, must register as a third party advertiser and follow the Act's requirements. A Third Party Advertisers' guide, published by the Government of Ontario, will be provided upon registration.

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.

Register to Vote with Elections Ontario