Candidate Information

The next Municipal and School Board Election will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026.

Candidates for Town Council: Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Councillor

In accordance with Section 33(4)(b) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the nomination period for candidates for the Municipal Election and School Board Election closed on August 21, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

This page is intended to serve as a single source of information for candidates, providing campaign finance information, key dates, resources, and guidance you need as you prepare for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election.

Election Sign Deposit

In accordance with Section 6 of the Election Sign By-law 76-2018 election candidates and third-party advertisers are required to fill out a sign deposit application before the placement of any Election Signs. Election Signs must not be placed 45 days prior to Voting Day (Monday, October 26, 2026) and must be removed 2 days after Voting day.

Election Sign Deposit Application

Offices to be Elected

The following offices are to be elected, at large:

Mayor (1)
Deputy Mayor (1)
Councillor (5)

Campaign Finance

Candidates must comply with campaign finance rules as set out in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. All Candidates are required to file a Financial Statement - Form 4 after the Election, by the prescribed date, that reflects the money raised and spent on the campaign. Even Candidates who did not spend any money or withdrew their nomination are required to file and the Financial Statement must cover the period the day the nomination was filed to the day the nomination was withdrawn.

Candidates are responsible for keeping records of all financial activities related to their campaign. Financial statements must be completed using the prescribed Financial Statement - Form 4 and must include all financial activity from the day the nomination paper was filed until the end of the campaign period (December 31, 2026).

Important Rules to Keep in Mind

You cannot raise or spend any money on your campaign until you file a nomination paper
You must open a bank account for your campaign if you intend to spend any money or accept any contributions
Individuals can only contribute a maximum of $1,200 to a candidate for Councillor, Deputy Mayor or School Board trustee and $2,500 to a candidate for Mayor
You must record the full name and address of everyone who contributes money or goods/services to your campaign
You cannot accept contributions from corporations or trade unions; and
You must follow spending and contribution limits provided to you when you file your nomination

Public Disclosure

Filed financial statements are public documents. They will be posted in full on the Town of Kingsville's website, including the names and addresses of all those who contributed over $100.00.

If you do not file your financial statement on time, you will not be eligible to run in a municipal election until after the next regular election (2034).

In-Person Filing Requirement

Please be advised that the Financial Statement - Form 4 must be filed in person with the Clerk's Office. This form cannot be submitted electronically, by mail, or by another individual on your behalf. You may attend the Clerk's Office during regular business hours to file the form. Please bring valid identification with you. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact clerks@kingsville.ca

More information can be found in the Campaign Finance section of the 2026 Candidates Guide - Ontario municipal council and school board elections.

Key Dates for Candidates

Date	Event
Friday, May 1, 2026	Nomination Period Begins Candidates may begin filing nomination forms starting Friday, May 1, 2026, and may continue to file on any business day thereafter until Nomination Day (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm). On Nomination Day, Friday, August 21, 2026, nomination forms may be submitted between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm s.33(4)(b). Candidates may begin campaigning once they have filed their nomination forms. Third-Party Advertiser Registration Period Begins Individuals, corporations, or trade unions may file the prescribed form with the Clerk to become a registered third-party advertiser. Restrictions apply regarding who is eligible to register. s.88.6(7).
Friday, August 21, 2026	Nomination Day (nomination period ends) The last day to file a nomination. On this date, nomination forms may only be submitted between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm s.33(4)(b). The last day for a candidate to withdraw their nomination is by filing a written notice with the Clerk no later than 2:00 pm s.36.
Monday, August 24, 2026	The Clerk shall examine all filed nomination forms before 4:00 pm and, if satisfied, certify the nominations s.35(1),(2). By 4:00 pm, the Clerk shall also declare any candidate(s) elected by acclamation. s.37(1).
Tuesday, September 1, 2026	Voters’ List The Clerk shall make the Voters’ List available to eligible individuals upon written request. S.23(2),(3),(4).
Monday, October 26, 2026	Voting Day Eligible voters can vote anything from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Voter Information Letters (VILs) will be mailed to electors in advance and will contain voting locations, and other pertinent information.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026	Declaration of Results As soon as possible, the Clerk shall declare the results and advise the public. s.(4),(4.1)
Sunday, November 15, 2026	New Term of Office Commences Elected members must take the oath of office before assuming their seats.
Monday, November 16, 2026	Inaugural Meeting of Council
Thursday, December 31, 2026	Campaign Period Ends Last day for candidates and registered third-party advertisers to provide written notice of a deficit and the continuation of their campaign period. s.88.24(2), s.88.28.
Tuesday, March 30, 2027	Filing Date By 2:00 pm, the last day for candidates and registered third-party advertisers to file initial financial statements and auditors' reports. s.88.30(1).

Resources

2026 Candidates' Guide: Ontario Municipal Council and School Board Elections

2025-2027 Municipal Elections Calendar

2026 Municipal Election Clerk's Procedures: Version 1

Candidate Information Session (MMAH) April 8, 2026

County of Essex Policy for Temporary Election Signs on County Roads

County Services: A Guide for Candidates

Election Sign By-law 78-2018

Election Sign Deposit Application

Lead Where You Live: A Guide to Running for Municipal Council

Leading With Respect Handguides

Memo re Access to Apartments and Condominiums

Memo re Campaign Material on Municipal Properties

Memo re Election Signs

Municipal Act, 2001

Municipal Elections Act, 1996

The Ontario Municipal Councillor's Guide

Use of Municipal Resources for Election-Related Purposes

Events and Information Sessions

County of Essex Candidates' Information Meeting - April 8, 2026

Not sure if running for Council is right for you? The County of Essex is hosting a regional Candidates' Information Meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. See the County's News Release for more information and to register.

Running for Municipal Office: Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate - April 8, 2026

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a workshop specifically for underrepresented candidates. This 90 minute workshop provides useful insights and strategies to support you in getting your name on the ballot. See AMO's News Release for more information and to register.

Healthy Democracy Leaders Series: Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities - Various Dates

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a workshop series for first-time aspiring leaders and leaders seeking re-election. "Stronger Leaders, Strong Communities" is designed to equip you with the tools, resilience, and confidence to meet challenges head on and to rediscover the purpose that brought you to public service in the first place.

This series is being offered in 2 streams:

Stream 1: For elected officials at the municipal level across Ontario who are considering re-election in 2026 and preparing their path forward. Register for Stream 1.

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. Register for Stream 2.

An Information Session for Youth Considering Running for Municipal Office - Various Dates

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a workshop series for young people thinking about running for office in the 2026 Municipal Election. See AMO's News Release for more information and to register.

An Information Session for Urban Indigenous Peoples Considering Running for Municipal Office - Various Dates

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a workshop series for indigenous peoples thinking about running for office in the 2026 Municipal Election. See AMO's News Release for more information and to register.