Individuals interested in running in the 2026 municipal and school board elections can file their nomination papers from May 1 to Aug. 21, 2026. Nomination papers are available through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website or at municipal Clerk’s Offices. The following information applies to candidates filing nomination papers:

• Nomination papers may be filed with the clerk of the appropriate municipality during regular business hours from May 1 to Aug. 20, 2026, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. The deadline to file a nomination is 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026.
• Nomination papers must be signed by the candidate and filed in person or by an agent with the clerk of the appropriate municipality.
• A filing fee of $200 for head of council and $100 for all other offices is required at the time of filing.
• Each nomination paper must be endorsed by 25 eligible voters in municipalities with more than 4,000 electors. This requirement does not apply to school board trustee candidates.
• A candidate must be registered before they spend money on a campaign or accept contributions.
• If there are not enough certified candidates to fill all available positions in a municipality, nominations may be reopened by the appropriate clerk for the vacant positions only.

The Municipal Elections Act, 1996 also includes rules for third-party advertising. Third-party advertising is paid advertising that supports or opposes a candidate running in the election. It can appear in many formats, such as paid social media, digital advertisements and billboards. Individuals, corporations and trade unions must register with the municipal clerk in each municipality where they plan to advertise. Registration opens on May 1, 2026, and closes at the close of business on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026.

On Wednesday, April 29, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in partnership with Niagara’s municipalities, is hosting a candidate information session at the Welland Community Centre for anyone interested in running as a candidate, or becoming a third-party advertiser in the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election.

For more information about becoming a candidate, attending the candidate information session or registering as a third-party advertiser, please visit the Niagara Votes website.

NOTE: Previous version had an incorrect link to the niagaravotes.ca website.

Media contact

Janine Tessmer, APR
Senior Communications Specialist
Niagara Region
janine.tessmer@niagararegion.ca
905-401-4882