This guide provides information to candidates for the 2026 municipal and school board elections. The information also applies to any by-elections that may be held during the 2026–2030 council and school board term.

This guide is not meant to replace provincial legislation. It provides general information about the rules contained in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, and other legislation and regulations, such as:

New election rules for 2026

There are new requirements regarding how copies of the voters’ list are to be handled. These include:

  • written acknowledgements to receive a copy of the voters’ list
  • limits to sharing copies
  • requirements to destroy copies after the campaign has ended

For more information regarding these requirements please see the voters’ list.

Contact us

If you have further questions or would like to give feedback on this guide, please contact us at mea.info@ontario.ca.

You can also contact your regional Municipal Services Office at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.