The Town of Midland conducts Municipal Elections for the election of Municipal Council members and School Board Trustees every four years.
The current term of office for elected officials in the offices of Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillor and School Board Trustee is December 1, 2018 to November 14, 2022.
2022 Municipal Elections
Information will continue to be added to this web page as the 2022 Municipal Election approaches. So please check back often.
COVID-19
Due to the pandemic, the Town of Midland will be putting in place health and safety measures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 during the 2022 Municipal Election.
What's New?
The 2022 Municipal Election takes place on Monday, October 24, 2022. For the first time, the Town of Midland will be voting at-large, meaning that voters can vote for all positions of Council. In addition, the Town of Midland municipal election will employ internet/telephone voting as the only format for voting. More details can be found below on this new voting process.
Midland Votes At-Large
Elections for municipal government are held every four years on the fourth Monday of October
The next municipal election will be held Monday, October 24 , 2022.
For the first time, the seven Midland Councillors will be elected through an at-large election process, meaning each council member represents all tax payers and residents of Midland and not a specific ward or area within Midland.
Eligible electors will have the opportunity to cast a ballot for the following offices:
- Mayor - one elected at large
- Deputy Mayor – one elected at large
- Councillor – seven elected at large
- One Trustee, Simcoe County District School Board (English Public)
- One Trustee, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (English Separate)
- One Trustee, Conseil Scolaire Viamonde (French Public)
- One Trustee, Conseil Scolaire de District Catholique Centre-Sud (French Separate)
Are You on the Voters' List?
Please call the Clerk's Office at 705-526-4275 ext. 2212 or 2208 or come into the Municipal Office at 575 Dominion Avenue to make sure you are on the Voters' List.
It is easy to get your name added or to make changes to the Voters' List. Come into the Municipal Office to complete an Application to Amend Voters' List with Clerks' staff. You will be asked to provide proof of identification at that time. The Clerk will review your qualifications before approving the Application. For your convenience, click here for a copy of the Application for printing.
Who is eligible to vote?
Who can vote in the elections?
Anyone can vote in a municipal election who, on the day of the election, is:
- 18 years of age or older
- a Canadian citizen; and
- either a resident of the municipality or a property owner or tenant or the spouse or same sex partner of an owner or tenant in the municipality during a specified time just before the election.
- Not prohibited from voting by law.
You can only vote once in the Town of Midland municipal election, regardless of how many properties you own or rent within the Town.
Your name must be on the voters' list in order for you to cast a ballot. Verify your information at voterlookup.ca today!
Who is not eligible to vote?
The following are prohibited from voting in a municipal election:
- serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institution
- a corporation
- acting as executor or trustee or in another representative capacity
- convicted of a corrupt practice described in section 90(3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996
Voting for students
Students are allowed to vote in both their home municipality and the municipality where they are attending school.
What identification do I need to vote?
Eligible voters will receive a Voter Instruction Letter in the mail that will include a personal identification number (PIN). This will allow computer or telephone access to the electronic ballot.
If you wish to attend the Voter Assistance Centre in person, you will be asked to provide identification (original or certified/notarized copy) showing your name and qualifying address. The following is a list of acceptable identification:
- Ontario driver’s licence
- Ontario Health Card (photo card)
- Ontario Photo Card
- Ontario motor vehicle permit (vehicle portion)
- cancelled personalized cheque
- mortgage statement, lease or rental agreement relating to property in Ontario
- insurance policy or insurance statement
- loan agreement or other financial agreement with a financial institution
- document issued or certified by a court in Ontario
- any other document from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency or such a government
- any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada)
- income tax assessment notice
- child tax benefit statement
- statement of employment insurance benefits paid T4E
- statement of old age security T4A (OAS)
- statement of Canada Pension Plan benefits T4A (P)
- Canada Pension Plan statement of contributions
- statement of direct deposit for Ontario Works
- statement of direct deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board statement of benefits T5007
- property tax assessment
- credit card statement, bank account statement, or RRSP, RRIF, RHOSP or T5 statement
- CNIB Card or a card from another registered charitable organization that provides services to persons with disabilities
- hospital card or record
- document showing campus residence, issued by the office or officials responsible for student residence at a post-secondary institution
- document showing residence at a long-term care home under the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, issued by the Administrator for the home
- utility bill for hydro, water, gas, telephone or cable TV or a bill from a public utilities commission
- cheque stub, T4 statement or pay receipt issued by an employer
- transcript or report card from a post-secondary school
Please note that your Voter Instruction Letter cannot be used as a piece of identification.
Voting by Internet/TelephoneFor the first time, Midland voters will be voting by internet and telephone only. The Town of Midland has entered into an agreement with Intelivote Systems Inc. to provide the software, consulting and technical services required to implement this voting method.
Voting will take place between October 11 and 24, 2022. Voters will receive a Voter Instruction Letter (VIL) by mail containing directions on how to vote using the internet or the telephone, or both. You will receive this letter seven (7) to fourteen (14) days prior to October 11, 2022.
You will only receive a VIL if your name is on the Voters’ List. Please call the Clerk's Office at 705-526-4275 ext. 2212 or 2208 or come into the Municipal Office at 575 Dominion Avenue to make sure you are on the Voters' List.
Voter Assistance Centre
A Voter Assistance Centre will be located in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Office at 575 Dominion Avenue. Please bring your Voter Instruction Letter and a document showing your name and address for identification.
The Voter Assistance Centre operating hours:
Tuesday, October 11
| 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
|
Wednesday, October 12 to Friday, October 14
| 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
|
| Saturday, October 15 | 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
|
| Monday, October 17 – Friday, October 21 | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
|
| Saturday, October 22 | 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
|
Monday, October 24
| 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
|
Voter Assistance Centres will also be set up at these retirement/nursing homes for in-home residents only (dates TBD):
Villa Retirement Lodge
Hillcrest Village Care Centre
Villa Care Centre
Chartwell Tiffin House
King Place Retirement Residence
FAQs for eVoting
Who will get a Voter Instruction Letter (VIL) with a PIN (Personal Identification Number) to vote in the election?
All qualified electors on the Voters’ List provided by the municipality.
How does e-voting ensure secrecy?
What if my name is not on the Voters’ List?
Please call the Clerk's Office at 705-526-4275 ext. 2212 or 2208 or come into the Municipal Office at 575 Dominion Avenue to make sure you are on the Voters' List.
It is easy to get your name added or to make changes to the Voters' List. Come into the Municipal Office to complete an Application to Amend Voters' List with Clerks' staff. You will be asked to provide proof of identification at that time. The Clerk will review your qualifications before approving the Application. For your convenience, click here for a copy of the Application for printing.
When should I expect to receive my PIN in the mail?
Individual PINs will be mailed to eligible electors so that they are received approximately seven (7) to fourteen (14) days prior to the first voting day.
What if I do not get a PIN in the mail by Election Day?
If you are an eligible elector and on the Voters' List, but you did not get a PIN in the mail by the start of the election period, you can request a replacement PIN. If the Election Official’s records indicate you were sent a PIN in the mail, then the original PIN will be disabled and cannot be used to cast a vote in the election. A replacement PIN will be issued to you if the original PIN has not been voted and you provide appropriate identification.
Why would I not get a PIN in the mail?
If you did not get a PIN in the mail, one of two things may have happened. First, your name was not on the Voters’ List. PINs are only mailed to electors whose names appear on the Voters’ List as supplied by the Municipality. Secondly, a PIN may have been mailed to you and it has been delayed for some reason in the mail system.
Can anyone tell how I voted if they know my PIN?
No. The system does not track how a particular PIN has voted, only that the PIN has been used to cast a vote.
Once I have my PIN, do I have to register in advance if I want to use either the telephone or the Internet to cast my vote?
No, there is no registration required. During the election period, using your PIN, you can use either the telephone or the internet to cast your vote.
What if I lose or misplace my PIN?
If an elector loses or misplaces their PIN, they should contact the Voter HelpLine. The Election Official can decide to replace the missing PIN if it has not already been voted. They will determine if an elector has to travel to a location, sign a form, and then replace the missing PIN, or they can decide to allow the Voter HelpLine agent to authenticate the caller and issue a replacement PIN over the phone. In both cases, the original lost or missing PIN will be disabled, and it will not be able to be voted in the election.
How do I access the voting system?
Voting instructions will be included in the
Voter Instruction Letter (VIL) mailed to each eligible elector on the Voters’
List. Included in this information are instructions on how to access the voting system.
Electors can cast their ballot using the telephone
or cell phone by calling a toll-free number. Electors using personal computers
will use the internet to visit a website that will allow them
entry into the voting system where they can cast their vote.
Once I enter my PIN and start my voting process do I have to complete all ballots in one session? For example, what if I am interrupted and must hang up the phone for some reason or, if I am voting using the Internet and must leave my session?
No, you do not have to vote all ballots at one time uninterrupted. You can disconnect from the internet or the telephone and re-connect later, re-enter your PIN and any other credentials required and complete your voting activity at that time. In fact, if you find it more convenient, you can switch from one method to the other and complete your voting using the other method. For example, you can start your voting on the internet and at some point, close your internet session and then later re-start the voting process and re-enter your PIN and any other credentials required using your phone or cell phone and complete your ballot.
What happens if I access the voting system and am presented with candidates for the wrong School Board?
The electronic ballot you receive is determined by your School Board support as listed on the Voters’ List. If you believe your School Board support is wrong, exit the system and call the Voter HelpLine to receive directions on completing an Application to Amend Voters’ List.
What do I do if I am not sure if I completed a ballot?
During the voting period you can connect to the voting system and enter your PIN. If you have yet to complete all ballots assigned to you, the system will begin where you left off - at the next race you are eligible to complete. When you have completed voting all ballots assigned to you, entering your PIN online and any other credentials required in the voting system during the voting period will display a message containing your vote status. This message will advise if you have completed voting. You can also contact the Voter HelpLine to get more information.
If I am using the telephone to vote, how will I know what number to press to vote for the candidate of my choice, or what if I make a mistake and select a different candidate than the one I want to vote for?
The Voter Instruction Letter (VIL) mailed to you has the list of candidates included on it for your reference purpose. In addition, each time the system presents you with a race to vote for, it lists the eligible candidates running for that position and instructs you to select the corresponding number for that candidate. You may also clear your ballot selections and start over.
Once a vote has been confirmed, can it be changed?
No. Once a vote has been confirmed it cannot be changed. This process is the same as dropping the ballot into the ballot box in a traditional paper-based election ensuring complete elector anonymity and secrecy of ballot. The system does not know how the ballot was voted; only that the PIN was used in the election to cast a vote and thus it cannot be removed from the vote count.
How do I vote if I am away from home, out of town, out of the province, or out of the country?
You can vote during the election voting period using the internet from anywhere in the world. You can also use telephone service and connect to the voting system toll free from anywhere in North America simply by dialing the toll-free number contained in your Voter Instruction Letter.
What if I have a rotary phone at home, no cell phone and don’t have a computer with Internet service. How can I vote?
You do not have to vote from home. You can vote from any location using any phone with touch tone service or from any computer. You can also vote in person at the Voter Assistance Centre where the Municipality is offering PC’s and phones at these locations. The location of the Voter Assistance Centre can be found in the Voter Instruction Letters sent to eligible electors.
If someone calls me and asks for my PIN, what should I do?
You should treat your voting PIN with the same level of secrecy and confidentially you reserve for your bank card and PIN. Do not give your PIN to anyone who may call or approach you for the number.
What do I do if the phone line is busy when I call and try to vote?
If the phone lines are busy, simply hang up and call back a short time later. The voting system can handle a significant volume of calls simultaneously but there is always the possibility that many electors are attempting to call in the same timeframe. Electors will be able to connect to the system over the course of several days during the voting period.
Could someone steal my PIN and vote it?
Stealing and opening another person’s mail is illegal. It is also illegal to represent yourself as another person and steal their right to vote in an election. Both these acts are illegal and have penalties defined by law.
If you know someone has voted your PIN illegally you should report it to the Election Official. You may be able to obtain a replacement PIN to cast your vote by presenting yourself to the Election Official and swearing an affidavit that the PIN assigned to you was not voted by you but by someone else.
If I am an elector with a disability; deafness, blindness, or a mobility disability, can someone help me with the voting process?
Electronic voting allows increased right of privacy to electors with physical challenges that make traditional voting at polling stations more difficult. Blind electors can make use of the telephone and deaf electors can use the internet to vote with little or no assistance required from others. If you need assistance, please attend the Voter Assistance Centre at the Municipal Office and the Election Official present will be able to assist you.
Would it be possible for me to be sent more than one PIN?
If you received more than one PIN, it is because your name appeared on the Voters’ List more than once. This rare situation might occur if you changed your place of residence and have been enumerated in both locations or you own property and are the registered resident at both locations. You are only permitted to vote once in a municipality, and you should only cast a vote using the PIN associated with your primary place of residence. Notify the Election Official of the additional PIN and they will disable this PIN rendering it unusable for the election.
Information for Candidates
Want to make a difference in your community? Interested in becoming more involved in the day-to-day business of your local government? Are you thinking about running for a seat on Town of Midland Council?
Voting Day is Monday, October 24, 2022. Nomination for
candidates for the 2022 Municipal Elections opens on Monday, May 2,
2022. Candidate Nomination packages can be picked up the Customer Service counter at the Municipal Office between the hours of 8:30 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m.
An appointment is required to register as a Candidate and
to file Nomination papers and we ask that you contact the Clerk’s Office at
705-526-4275 ext. 2210 to schedule this appointment.
Electronic
filing of the Nomination papers is not permitted. The Nomination Period
closes on Friday, August 19, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
Considering running for Council?
Check out these useful resources:
Get to know your Municipality
The Ontario Municipal Councillor's Guide
AMO's Lead Where You Live: A guide on running for municipal council
AMCTO - Candidate's Guide to Accessible Elections
Town of Midland - 2022 Municipal Elections Accessibility Plan
What offices can I run for?
The next municipal election to elect a Mayor, Town Councillors, and School Board Trustees will be held on Monday, October 24, 2022. Eligible individuals may consider running for one of the following offices:
- Mayor - one, elected at large
- Deputy Mayor – one, elected at large
- Councillor – seven, elected at large
- School Board Trustees:
- (1) School Board Trustee – English Public
- (1) School Board Trustee – English Separate
- (1) School Board Trustee – French Public
- (1) School Board Trustee – French Separate
Public Notice - Notice of Nominations for 2022 Municipal Elections - March 25, 2022
Eligibility
Who can be a candidate for Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Councillor?
A person is eligible to be a candidate if they are:
- a resident of the Town of Midland, or an owner or tenant of land in the Town of Midland, or the spouse of such an owner or tenant;
- a Canadian citizen;
- at least 18 years old; and
- not legally prohibited from voting.
Who cannot be a candidate for Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Councillor?
The following people are disqualified from being elected as a Member of Council, or from holding office as a Member of Council:
- an employee of the municipality unless they take an unpaid leave of absence beginning the day they are nominated and resign if elected to the office.
- 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. Proof of resignation must be provided by the close of nominations or the Clerk will not certify the nomination.
- a candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement(s) in the last municipal election or by-election.
Town of Midland employees
Employees of the Town of Midland who wish to run for Councillor must take an unpaid leave of absence before filing their nomination papers. The employee must provide the Clerk with a copy of the documentation showing that they have taken the leave of absence and the effective date.
Who can be a School Board Trustee candidate?
A person is eligible to be a candidate for School Board Trustee if they are,
- a Canadian citizen;
- at least 18 years old;
- a resident within the board's area of jurisdiction;
- a supporter of that school board; and
- not legally prohibited from voting.
Who cannot be a School Board Trustee candidate?
The following people are disqualified from being elected as a School Board Trustee or from holding office on any school board:
- an employee of the school board unless they take an unpaid leave of absence beginning the day they are nominated and resign if elected to the office.
- a clerk, treasurer, deputy-clerk or deputy-treasurer of any municipality within the area of jurisdiction of the school board except those on an unpaid leave of absence.
- 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. Proof of resignation must be provided by the close of nominations.
- a candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement(s) in the last municipal election or by-election.
School board employees
Employees of any school boards (including supply teachers) are disqualified from being elected as a School Board Trustee or from holding office on any school boards, except during a leave of absence. The employee must take an unpaid leave of absence before filing their nomination papers.
The employee must give written notice to the school board, in advance of their intention to take unpaid leave. This notice should be forwarded to the appropriate school board’s Director of Education who should endeavour to ensure that it is forwarded to the Board of Trustees before the date upon which the unpaid leave is to commence.
How do I become a candidate?
You can make an in-person appointment with the Clerk’s office commencing May 2, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. up until 2:00 p.m. on August 19, 2022. Electronic filing will not be permitted. More information will follow as we approach May 2.
You will be required to provide:
- Identification suitable to the Clerk
- Nomination Paper (Form 1)
- 25 Endorsement Signatures on the prescribed form (Form 2) from eligible electors
- Application filing fee ($200 for Mayor, $100 for all other offices)
If an agent is filing the Nomination Paper on behalf of a candidate, the candidate's declaration must be commissioned prior to the agent filing it with the Town.
Once you have filed your Nomination Paper, you are officially able to begin campaigning for office and incurring campaign expenses.
Candidate Nomination Package
Candidate Information Guide
Candidate Information Session
2022 Municipal Election Candidate Information Session
Anyone interested in running for office in the 2022 Municipal Election is encouraged to attend this session.
This session, hosted in partnership with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, will provide attendees with information on topics such as:
- nomination process
- financial filing & requirements
- candidate duties and responsibilities
The in-person session will begin with a presentation from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing followed by a “Question and Answer” period. New and seasoned candidates are encouraged to attend this informative session.
Municipal staff from the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene and the Townships of Tay and Tiny as well as the County of Simcoe will be present.
Monday, April 25, 2022
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Community Hall - North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre
527 Len Self Blvd, Midland
If you require special accommodations, please contact Sherri Edgar at (705) 526-4275.
2022 Municipal Election - Candidate and Third Party Advertiser Information Session - Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Public Notice - Candidate Information Session - 2022 Municipal Elections - March 25, 2022
Withdrawing a Nomination
If you decide you no longer wish to run in the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections, you must file the Withdrawal of Nomination Form (coming soon) with the Clerk. The last day to file a withdrawal is Friday, August 19, 2022 before 2:00 p.m.
Reasons to Reject a Nomination by the Clerk
Prior to 4:00 p.m. on August 22, 2022 (Monday following Nomination Day), the Town Clerk must examine each nomination filed. If satisfied and if the nomination complies with the Municipal Election Act, 1996, the person is qualified to be nominated and the Town Clerk shall certify the nomination. If not satisfied, the Town Clerk shall reject the nomination and give notice to the person who sought to be nominated and all other candidates for that office. The Town Clerk's decision to reject a nomination is final.
The Town Clerk may consider the following criteria in the decision to reject or certify nominations:
- The candidate has refused or declined to provide proof of qualifications or identification suitable to the Town Clerk.
- The candidate does not meet the eligibility requirements set out under Section 29(1) of the Municipal Election Act, 1996.
- The nomination form is not complete in its entirety, or the filing fee has not been paid.
- The necessary financial statement was not filed for the previous election by the candidate.
Time Commitment
The following regular meetings occur at the Town:
- Council/Committee of the Whole – every third Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.
Meeting dates and times may vary, and special meetings can be called within the rules of the Procedure By-law. Members of Council should expect to come prepared to meetings, having read their agendas.
Additional duties may include attending town or community events, corresponding with constituents through various means, participation on advisory committees, and more.
New Candidates
The Association of Municipalities in Ontario (AMO) provides a guide for Candidates considering running for council. The guide includes key steps for running for office, expert advice, a feel for life on municipal council, and links to important resources. The guide is now available on AMO's e-learning portal. For more information, please visit:
https://municipaleducation.skillbuilder.co/catalog/35/1.
Election Signs
Details regarding use of election signs can be found in By-law 2011-80.
Campaigning and Expenses
Candidates cannot spend or raise funds for their election campaign until their nomination has been filed with the Clerk.
The Clerk will provide interim and final maximum campaign expense limit notices to registered candidates at the appropriate time.
On or before March 31, 2023, each candidate shall file the necessary financial reports with the Clerk.
The Joint 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.
Third Party Advertisers
Joint Election Compliance Audit Committee
The Joint 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.
