Election Candidate Portal

Candidate Package

Nominations open Friday May 1, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. and close on Friday August 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.  In order to run for Council in the 2026 Municipal Election, you must complete all forms within the Candidate Package prior to submission (with the exception of your signatures). 

Contents of the Candidate Package include:

Withdrawal Deadline: Candidates have until 2:00 pm on Nomination Day (Friday, August 21, 2026) to withdraw their nomination.

Book an Appointment: All candidates must book an appointment with Election Staff to file nomination papers. Email clerks@penetanguishene.ca to book your appointment.

Candidate List: Once filed, candidate names will be posted on the Town website.

When to Start Campaigning: You cannot begin campaigning until your nomination papers have been officially filed.

Important Election Dates

Nomination Starts Friday May 1, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.
Nomination Day (Deadline for nominations) Friday August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Certification of Nomination Papers Monday August 24, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Voters' List Available Tuesday September 1, 2026
Voting Starts (Telephone and Internet) Tuesday October 13, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
Voting Day (Paper Ballot) Monday October 26, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Declaration of Official Results ASAP after Voting closes
Term of Office Starts Sunday November 15, 2026
Inaugural Meeting of Council Wednesday November 25, 2026
Candidate Deadline to Submit Financial Report Wednesday March 31, 2027

Information for Third Party Advertisers

Election Resources

A third party advertisement refers to an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium that promotes, supports or opposes a candidate in the election, or, a "yes" or "no" answer to a question on the ballot.

Ontario residents, corporations and trade unions that will incur expenses for such advertisements must register as a third party advertiser with the Clerk before they can begin advertising. Registration to be a third party advertiser for the 2026 Municipal Elections will begin at 8:30 am on Friday, May 1, 2026 and end at 4:30 pm on Friday, October 23, 2026. Additional information regarding the registration process and requirements will be available in early 2026.

Only the following persons and entities are eligible to file a notice of registration:

  • An individual who is normally a resident in Ontario.
  • A corporation that carries on business in Ontario.
  • A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario.

Persons and entities that are not eligible to file a notice of registration include:

  • A candidate whose nomination has been filed under Section 33 of the Municipal Elections Act.
  • A federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act (Canada) or any federal constituency association or registered candidate at a federal election endorsed by that party.
  • A provincial political party, constituency association, registered candidate or leadership contestant registered under the Election Finances Act.
  • The Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or local board.
  • Information for Candidates for Mayor and Deputy Mayor (Coming Soon)
  • 2026 Candidates’ Guide for Municipal Council and School Board Elections (Coming Soon)

Election Compliance Audit Committee

The Election Compliance Audit Committee reviews applications for compliance audits of the election campaign finances of candidates and registered third-party advertisers and considers report(s) from the Clerk on apparent contraventions of contribution limits. 

Websites of Interest

Town of Penetanguishene
10 Robert Street West,
Penetanguishene, ON
L9M 2G2
T: 705-549-7453
F: 705-549-3743

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