Shelburne highlights candidate nomination details for the upcoming 2026 election

Written By JOSHUA DRAKES

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Residents in Shelburne will head to the polls later this year as part of the province-wide municipal vote, with local officials encouraging interested candidates to begin preparing for the nomination process.

The 2026 municipal and school board election is scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026. Voters will elect a mayor, deputy mayor, councillors and school board trustees.

The nomination period opens May 1 and runs until August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day). 

Candidates must file their nomination papers in person, either themselves or through an authorized agent, and submissions on the final day will only be accepted between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

Prospective candidates are also required to book an appointment with Shelburne's Elections Team in advance, as filings will not be accepted without one.

To be eligible, candidates must be Canadian citizens aged 18 or older and qualified to vote in the municipality, either by living there, owning or renting property, or being the spouse of someone who does.

The process is governed by the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, and candidates must follow all campaign finance and filing rules.

Residents considering a run can also learn more through a series of candidate information sessions being offered across Dufferin County.

Two in-person sessions will be held on May 6 at 7 p.m. at the Monora Park Pavilion and May 7 at 10 a.m. at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex, with opportunities to ask questions and speak with facilitators.

A virtual session, hosted by the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, will take place on April 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Family members are encouraged to attend, as the sessions will also explore the impact of holding public office. 

In addition to the nomination timeline, several key dates will be important to remember during the election season. Candidate certification will take place on Aug. 24, with any uncontested races declared by the town's clerk. The voters' list will be made available on Sept. 1, and voter information letters with PINs for internet and telephone voting will be mailed in early October.

Advance voting will run from October 16 at 10 a.m. through to Oct. 26 at 8 p.m., the same day as Election Day.

Results will be declared shortly after voting concludes, with the new term of council beginning Nov. 15 and the inaugural meeting scheduled for Nov. 30 at the Shelburne Town Hall. 

Municipal elections play a central role in shaping local decision-making, from infrastructure and development to community services. Residents are encouraged to take part, either as candidates or voters.

For more information and resources, go to: shelburne.ca/town-hall/2026-municipal-election/candidate-information/