Information for Candidates

Who can run for Council

To run for municipal Council, you must meet the following requirements: 

• be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years of age 
• be a resident or non-resident elector in the municipality where you are filing your nomination 
• be eligible to hold office on the day your nomination is filed 

For more detailed guidance, consult the Ontario Municipal Councillor’s Guide.

Serving on Town Council

Serving on Council is a meaningful opportunity to help shape the future of your community, but it also comes with significant responsibilities and the need for thoughtful decision making. 

Council Members address important issues, consider diverse viewpoints, and often navigate challenging or sensitive matters, all in the best interest of residents.

We encourage you to review the resources below as you consider the possibility of running for Council.

• The Ontario municipal councillor’s guide | ontario.ca
• Ontario Municipal & School Board Elections Website
• School board trustee elections | ontario.ca
• Municipal Elections | AMO

Candidate Package

Nominations open Friday, May 1, 2026, at 8:30am and close on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 2pm. In order to run for Council or School Board Trustee in the 2026 Municipal Election, you must complete all forms within the Candidate Package prior to submission (with the exception of your signatures). The contents of the Candidate Package will be posted on this webpage prior to May 1, 2026.

All Candidates must book an appointment with Town Clerk to file nomination papers. Please email elections@midland.ca no earlier than Friday, May 1, 2026, at 8:30am to book an appointment.

Once a nomination is filed, candidate names will be posted on this website. You cannot begin campaigning until your nomination papers have been officially filed.

Candidate Information Sessions

If you’re considering running for Council, we encourage you to attend the in-person Candidate Information Session hosted by Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) for North Simcoe Candidates on Tuesday, April 7, 6pm–8pm, at the Bourgeois Community Centre (527 Len Self Blvd). This is a great opportunity to learn what it takes to serve and see if this opportunity is right for you.

A remote session hosted by MMAH will also be scheduled for the week of April 20, 2026. We will post the date and time once we have received confirmation from MMAH.

In addition to the information sessions, guidance for candidates and voters will be provided by the Town's Clerk’s team, and resources and tools will be provided on this webpage. MMAH is also available to respond to any inquiries or to provide clarification.

Restricted Acts for Council Members After Nomination Day

Section 275 of the Municipal Act, 2001 is identified as “Restricted Acts After Nomination Day,” but more commonly known as “Lame Duck” provisions. This section outlines restrictions placed on Council’s power and authority during an election year when it is determined that less than three-quarters of its membership will be returning. In Midland’s case, if less than seven Members of the nine Member Council will be returning, the Lame Duck clause would be triggered.    

The Lame Duck position can occur twice during the Municipal Elections process: 

• From Nomination Day until the close of Election Day (August 21, 2026 – October 26, 2026 at 8pm) or 
• From Final Voting Day in the 2026 Municipal Elections through to the end of the current term of Council (October 26, 2026 – November 14, 2026) 

If one of the above applies, Council is restricted from doing the following during the restricted periods:  

1. The appointment or removal from office of any officer of the municipality; 
2. The hiring or dismissal of any employee of the municipality; 
3. The disposition of any real or personal property of the municipality which has a value exceeding $50,000 at the time of disposal; and 
4. Making any expenditures or incurring any other liability which exceeds $50,000.  

These restrictions do not apply where a disposition or liability was included in the 2026 Budget or in emergency situations. They also do not apply where they have been delegated to a person. The Town of Midland Delegated Authority By-law 2025-50 grants the Chief Administrative Officer the authority to dispose of real or personal property exceeding $50,000. 

Third Party Advertising

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 Town Clerk before they can begin advertising.

Registration to be a Third Party Advertiser for the 2026 Municipal Elections will begin at 8:30am on Friday, May 1, 2026, and end at 4:30pm on Friday, October 23, 2026. Additional information regarding the registration process and requirements will be available in early 2026.