2026 Municipal and School Board Elections

Eligible Addington Highlands voters will elect a number of different positions on Voting Day, including

• • One (1) Reeve

• • Two (2) Councillors from Ward 1

• • Two (2) Councillors from Ward 2

Selection of the Deputy-Reeve

Following a regular municipal election, the position of Deputy Reeve shall be offered firstly to the Councillor:

a)         who received the highest number of votes in the municipal election; and

b)         who elected to qualify as an elector in the Ward other than the one in which the Reeve elected to qualify as an elector.

In the event that this Councillor declines to accept the position of Deputy Reeve it shall then be offered as follows:

• • to the remaining Councillor who elected to qualify as an elector in the Ward other than the one in which the Reeve elected to qualify as an elector.

In the event that the votes cast in the election for two Councillors from a Ward are equal, the selection of the Deputy Reeve shall be conducted by lot under the supervision of the Clerk.

The definition of ‘by lot’ shall be as follows:

The names of the candidates shall be clearly written upon two equal sized pieces of paper not being greater than 4” by 4” which after having been folded once and then once again are deposited into a container of sufficient depth to prevent the ballots from being easily seen; after which one ballot shall be selected and the name written thereupon announced by the Clerk in the presence of all members of the Council.

School Board Trustee elections are also held on October 26, 2026. Nominations for School Board Trustee are accepted by the Clerk of the municipality with the most electors representing the school district. For the 2026 Election, the municipalities responsible for each school board trustee elections are:

• • English Public School Board Trustee – Loyalist Township

• • English Catholic School Board Trustee – Loyalist Township

• • French Public School Board Trustee – City of Kingston

• • French Catholic School Board Trustee – City of Kingston

Qualifications and Nominations Requirements

To run for Reeve, or Councillor, on the day of the nomination paper is filed, a person must be:

• • A Canadian citizen

• • At least 18 years old

• • A resident of the Township of Addington Highlands, or an owner or tenant of land in the Township of Addington Highlands, or the spouse of such person

• • Not legally prohibited from voting

• • Not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office

To run for School Board Trustee, on the day the nomination paper is filed, a person must be:

• • A Canadian citizen

• • At least 18 years old

• • A resident in the area of jurisdiction of the board

• • Not legally prohibited from voting

• • Not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office

If you wish to run for School Board Trustee for one of the boards, you must live within the jurisdiction of that board

The following individuals are disqualified from being elected or holding office on a municipal Council:

• • A judge of any court

• • A member of the Provincial Legislature, the Federal House of Commons or Senate who has not resigned from their office by the close of nominations or the Township Clerk will not certify the nomination

• • A candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement in the last municipal election or by-election

• • An inmate serving a sentence under the Municipal Elections Act and Municipal Act

A full list of disqualifications is available under the Municipal Elections Act and Municipal Act, found here.

Nomination Forms

• • A nomination paper must be signed by 25 eligible voters supporting the nomination. The individuals providing signatures must sign a declaration stating they are eligible to vote in the municipality on the day they sign the endorsement. This endorsement becomes a public record.

• • Each candidate must provide proof of Canadian citizenship in a form acceptable to the Township Clerk. It is the responsibility of the candidate to file a bona fide nomination paper.

• • Nomination forms will be made available in the spring of 2026 or sooner, once released by the Province.

• • Employees of the Township of Addington Highlands or its local boards who wish to run for office must take an unpaid leave of absence as of the day the employee is nominated and ending on voting day, before submitting the nomination paper. Employees must provide a copy of the documentation showing this leave of absence and effective date are complete and must resign their position of elected.

Filing Fees

• • Filing fee for nomination to the position of Reeve is $200.00

• • Filing fee for nominations to Councillor or School Board Trustee is $100.00

• • Payment must be by cash, certified cheque, debit or money order payable to the Township of Addington Highlands

Withdrawal of Nomination

If a candidate decides they no longer wish to run for Office, the following must occur:

• • File a written Withdrawal of Nomination form, in-person, with the Township Clerk;

• • Provide identification; and

• • File a financial statement by the deadline date.

The last day to withdrawal is Friday August 21, 2026, by 2:00 p.m.

Nomination Day

Nomination Day is Friday August 21, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All nominations received by the Clerk by this date and time will be examined before 4 p.m. on the Monday following nomination day. If the Clerk is satisfied that the person is qualified to be nominated, the Clerk will certify the nomination.

Any additional nominations filed under subsection 33(5) of the Municipal Elections Act shall be examined before 4:00 p.m. on the Thursday following nomination day.

Who Can Vote?

A person is entitled to vote in a municipal election if, on Voting Day, they:

• • Reside in the local municipality, or are the owner or tenant of land in the municipality, or the spouse of such owner or tenant; and

• • Are a Canadian citizen;

• • Are at least 18 years old; and

• • Are not prohibited from voting under the Municipal Elections Act or otherwise prohibited by law

Who Cannot Vote?

The following individuals cannot vote:

• • A person who is serving a sentence of imprisonment in penal or correctional institution

• • A corporation

• • A person acting as executor or trustee or in any other representative capacity, except as a voting proxy in accordance with section 44 of the Municipal Elections Act

• • A person who was convicted of the corrupt practice if voting day in the current election is less than five years after voting day in the election in respect of which he or she was convicted

Where and How to Vote

A Telephone/Internet Voting method shall be used for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election.

In early October of 2026, eligible voters will receive a sealed, personalized Voter Information Letter (VIL) by mail. This letter will provide detailed instructions on how and where to vote.

Voter Help Centre’s will be available at the Township Office and the Addington Highlands Community Centre – Denbigh (AHCC-D).

Voter Help Centre Locations

Township Office – 72 Edward St., Flinton
Advanced Voting – between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday October 19, 2026 to Friday October 23, 2026 inclusive.
Voting Day – between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Addington Highlands Community Centre – Denbigh (AHCC-D) – 31 Central St., Denbigh
Advanced Voting:
Monday October 19, 2026 – 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 20, 2026 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 21, 2026 – 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 22, 2026 – 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Voting Day – between the hours of 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Voters’ List

Elections Ontario is responsible for preparing the preliminary list of electors for each municipality and school board in Ontario. You must be on the Register of Voters to cast a ballot during Municipal and School Board Elections.

Visit RegisterToVoteON.ca for information on eligibility , registration, and how to confirm, update,

Who can register as a Third-Party Advertiser?

A registered third-party advertiser is an individual, corporation, trade union, or other body that advertises to support or oppose a candidate or a question on the ballot for the municipal election.  A registered third party is subject to many of the same requirements as that of a candidate, including filing registration papers, expense limits and financial statements, and is subject to the Township’s Election Sign By-law and other legislation and by-laws.

A third party may register with the Clerk’s Department from Friday May 1, 2026 until October 23, 2026.

Registered third party packages will be available in the spring of 2026, or sooner.  There is no registration fee for third party advertisers, but the Clerk must examine the registration and then certify the notice of registration if deemed compliant or reject the registration.

The following are not permitted to register:

• Municipal election candidates
• Federal and Provincial political parties, constituency associations, registered candidates and leadership contestants
• A Federal and Provincial government, municipality or local board

If third party advertisers want to advertise in more than one municipality, they will be required to register in each municipality.  This includes newspaper publications that originate in one municipality but are delivered to multiple municipalities.

The following are not considered as paid advertisements:

• An advertisement by and under the direction of a candidate;
• Where no expenses are incurred by the person/entity in relation to the advertisement; and
• When given or transmitted by an individual to employees, by a corporation to its shareholders, directors, members or employees or by a trade union to its members or employees

Advertising that does not cost money to post or to broadcast, such as comments made on social media, will not be considered as third party advertising.

All third-party advertisements must contain the following information:

• The name of the registered third-party;
• The municipality where the registered third-party is registered; and
• The telephone number, mailing address or email address at which the registered third-party may be contacted regarding the advertisement

 

Current until August 12, 2026

• Revisions to the Voter’s List – Individuals may confirm, update , or add their information to the municipal and provincial voters lists online at RegisterToVoteON.ca

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 on Friday August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
• Campaign Period Begins – The campaign period begins when a candidate files their nomination form and pays the filing fee

Monday June 1, 2026

• Final day for voters to update school support information with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC)

Friday August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

• Nomination Day – On this date, nomination forms may only be submitted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  The last day for a candidate to withdraw their nomination is by filing a written notice with the Clerk no later than 2:00 p.m.

Monday August 24, 2026

• Certification Day – The Clerk shall examine all filed nomination forms prior to 4:00 p.m. and, if satisfied, certify the nominations by 4:00 p.m., the shall also declare any candidate(s) elected by acclamation.

Monday October 19, 2026 to Friday October 23, 2026

• Advance Voting – Using Telephone or Internet Voting

Friday October 23, 2026

• Close of Third-Party Advertiser Registration Period – Last day for a third-party advertiser to file a notice of registration, or withdraw their registration, during office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Monday October 26, 2026

• Voting Day – Voter Help Centres will be available between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Voter Help Centres will be located at the Township Office, 72 Edward St., Flinton and the Addington Highlands Community Centre – Denbigh, 31 Central St. Denbigh.

Tuesday October 27, 2026

• Declaration of Results as soon as possible, the Clerk shall declare the results and advise the public

Sunday November 15, 2026

• New Term of Council begins

Tuesday November 17, 2026

• Inaugural Council Meeting – Meeting Room at the Addington Highlands Community Centre-Denbigh (AHCC-D) at 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday March 26, 2027

• Filing Date by 2:00 p.m., last day for candidates and registered third party advertisers to file initial financial statements and auditors reports

 

2026 Municipal Election – Free Candidate Information Session

Considering a run for municipal council or school board trustee in the October 2026 election?

Join us for a free Candidate Information Session

Date: Thursday May 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Township of Stone Mills Council Chambers, 4504 County Road 4, Centreville ON

Hosted in Partnership by the County of Lennox & Addington, Township of Addington Highlands, the Township of Stone Mills, Loyalist Township, and the Town of Greater Napanee.

Presented by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Learn about:

• the Municipal Elections Act, 1996
• campaign rules and finances
• important election dates
• the role of elected officials and municipal staff

Nomination Period: May 1, 2026 to August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Term of Office: November 2026 to November 2030

For more information, please contact:

Returning Officer – Christine Reed
Township of Addington Highlands
PO Box 89, 72 Edward St., Flinton ON K0H 1P0
Phone: 613-336-2286
Email: clerk@addingtonhighlands.ca

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for people thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections:

Running for Municipal Office – everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate

AMO’s Healthy Democracy Leaders Series: Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities

An Information Session for Youth Considering Running for Municipal Office

An Information Session for Urban Indigenous Peoples Considering Running for Municipal Office

Pursuant to Section 88.37(1) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended, municipalities are required, prior to October 1 in a regular election year, to establish a Compliance Audit Committee (CAC).  The purpose of the CAC is to consider applications for compliance audits of candidates’ or registered third parties’ campaign finances and determine if audits are required.  The responsibilities of the CAC are fulfilled in a fair, open and responsible manner.

The Committee is to be comprised of persons with accounting and audit, academic or legal backgrounds and/or other individuals with knowledge of election campaign finances.  Members should have a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of municipal election campaign finances; proven analytical and decision-making skills; experience working on a committee, task force or similar setting; and good oral and written communication skills.

The Committee is established prior to Election Day and appointments take effect on the first day of the new Council’s term of office.

Here are some common inquiries regarding Municipal and School Board Elections.  This page may be updated from time to time.

Who Can Vote?

In order to qualify as an eligible elector, you must:

• Reside in the Township of Addington Highlands, or are the owner or tenant of land, or the spouse of such owner or tenant;
• Be a Canadian citizen;
• Be 18 years of age (as of Election Day); and
• Not prohibited from voting as outlined in s.17(3) of the Municipal Elections Act. 1996 or otherwise by law

How Do I Register to Vote in the Municipal Election?

Elections Ontario manages a single register of electors for both provincial and municipal elections in Ontario.  You can check to see if your name is on the voters’ list or manage your information through the voter registration service.

The last day electors can visit RegisterToVoteON.ca is August 12, 2026.  Electors will need to register with their municipality after that date.

When Can I File My Nomination for Council?

The nomination period for 2026 is from May 1, 2026 to August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Why Have I Been Asked to Sign an Endorsement?

As part of their nomination filing package, a candidate for Council must include twenty-five (25) written endorsements of nomination for their position.  A person endorsing a nomination must be an eligible voter in Addington Highlands on the day to which the endorsement is made.

When Can Election Signs Be Posted?

Election signs may be placed once a candidate has filed their nomination papers with the Clerk and paid the required filing fee.  All election signs shall be removed within ninety-six (96) hours of the day on which the election is held.

Can Anyone Use the Township Logo in Their Campaign Material?

No, the Township’s logo is protected, and the Township asserts copyright over its use.  Township Policy also prohibits the use of any Corporate Resources during the election campaign.

What is a Registered Third-Party?

A registered third party is any individual, corporation or trade union that advertises to support or oppose a candidate or a question on the ballot for the municipal election.  A registered third party is subject to many of the same requirements as that of a candidate, including filing registration papers, expense limits and financial statements, and is subject to the Township’s Election Sign By-law.  No election advertising outside of a candidate or registered third party is permitted.

An example of a registered third party would include, but is not limited to, a business operating from the municipality or a rate payers group.

As a Resident, How Much Can I Donate to One Candidate? Can I donate to Multiple Candidates?

An individual may contribute up to $1,200 to one candidate.  A contributor shall not make contributions exceeding a total of $5,000 to two or more candidates for office on the same Council.