The new four-year term will begin on November 15, 2026. However, the current Council Members continue to hold office until their successors, the new Council, are deemed organized. For Midland, this will occur on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, as per the Procedure By-law, and it is at the Inaugural Meeting where elected officials will make their declarations of office.
Information for Candidates
2026 Municipal Elections | Town of Midland
Pending any acclamations and subject to the review of the allocation of School Board Trustees, Candidates for the following offices will appear on the 2026 Ballot:
- One Mayor, Town of Midland
- One Deputy Mayor, Town of Midland
- Seven Councillors, Town of Midland
- One Trustee, English Public Board
- One Trustee, English Separate Board
- One Trustee, French Public Board
- One Trustee, French Separate Board
A Candidate list will be published on this website once the first nomination has been filed. The nomination period opens on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 8:30am. View the Notice of Nomination for the Towns of Midland, Penetanguishene and Townships of Tay and Tiny and Notice of Nomination for School Board Trustees.
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.
Candidate Nomination 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 Nomination Package prior to submission (with the exception of your signatures). Please bring proof of identification and the required filing fee.
Candidates must book an in-person appointment with the Town Clerk in order to file nomination papers. Appointments will be available beginning Friday, May 1, 2026, at 8:30am. To schedule an appointment, please email elections@midland.ca or call 705‑526‑4275, ext. 2210 or 2208.
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.
The Candidate Nomination Package includes:
| Document | Description/Notes |
|---|---|
| Nomination Package Checklist | Lists the contents of the package and additional forms to be provided. |
| Candidate Information Handout | Supplies general information to persons intending to run for elected office in the 2026 Municipal and School Board elections. |
| 25 signatures are required (it's recommended you gather more than 25 signatures) | |
|
Nomination Paper |
To be signed in the presence of the Clerk. |
| Withdrawal of Nomination Form | Candidates have until 2pm on Nomination Day (Friday, August 21, 2026) to withdraw their nomination. |
| Election Sign By-law | Regulates the placement and use of election signs. |
| 2026 Candidates’ Guide for Ontario Municipal Council and School Board Elections | Resource from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) |
| Policy Regarding Use of Corporate Resources During Municipal Election Campaign Period | Applies to all members of Council and all candidates for the Municipal Election who have filed a nomination paper. |
| Council Meeting Schedule 2026 and Draft 2027 Schedule | |
| County of Simcoe document - Information for Candidates for Mayor and Deputy Mayor | Those successful in being elected (or appointed) to the office of Mayor and Deputy Mayor in Midland are also automatically elected to serve as a member of Simcoe County Council as a County Councillor. |
| Procedures prepared for the purposes of convenience. |
The following will be provided by the Clerk at the time of filing:
- Preliminary Certificate of Maximum Campaign Expenses – Candidate
- Preliminary Certificate of Maximum Amount of Contributions Own Campaign
- Preliminary Certificate of Maximum Amount of Expenses for Parties Etc.– Candidate
Candidate Information Sessions
Provided by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), these are great opportunities to learn what it takes to serve and see if this opportunity is right for you.
- An in-person Candidate Information Session took place on Tuesday, April 7, 6pm–8pm, at the Bourgeois Community Centre (527 Len Self Blvd)
- A remote session is scheduled on Zoom for Tuesday April 21, 2026, 6pm–8pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82232146148 (Webinar ID: 822 3214 6148)
In addition to the information sessions, guidance for candidates is available from the Town's Clerk’s team, and more resources and tools will be provided on this webpage. MMAH is also available to respond to any inquiries or to provide clarification (see the presentation for contact information).
Candidate Resources
In addition to the Candidate Nomination Package contents, the following resources are available:
- Draft Town of Midland 2026 Elections Accessibility Plan
subject to the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee review on May 19, 2026 - AMCTO - Candidate’s Guide to Accessible Elections
- MMAH Voters’ Guide
- MMAH Third Party Advertisers' Guide
- Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository - Municipal Election Forms
- Service Ontario - e-laws
- MPAC – information on checking/changing school support
- Elections Ontario – Voter Lookup Tool
- Municipal Elections | AMO
AMO represents the 444 elected municipal and regional governments in Ontario. Its mandate is to support and enhance strong and effective municipal government in Ontario. - Municipal Government Books | Municipal World
Municipal World provides a number of publications to assist Candidates with their Election activities. - Ontario School Board Elections Website – 2022 version
- Clerk's form: EL12A Appointment of Scrutineer by Candidate
- Elect Respect — A Pledge to Restore Civility in the Public Square
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.
Key Dates
| Date | Activity/Milestone |
|---|---|
| April 7, 2026, 6–8pm | In-person candidate information session |
| April 9, 2026 | Notice of Nomination for the Towns of Midland, Penetanguishene and Townships of Tay and Tiny Notice of Nomination for School Board Trustees |
| April 17, 2026 | Notice to Broadcasters and Publishers re third party or candidate campaign advertisements. |
| April 21, 2026, 6–8pm | Virtual candidate information session |
| May 1, 2026 | Candidate nomination and third-party advertiser registration start date |
| August 21, 2026, 9am–2pm | Nomination Day – candidate nomination end date |
| August 21, 2026, 2pm | Deadline to withdraw a nomination |
| August 24, 2026, 4pm | Certification of nominations by the Town Clerk or designate |
| After August 21, 2026 | Election signs are allowed in the Town of Midland |
| Tuesday, October 13, 2026 to Monday, October 26, 2026 at 8pm | Midland Voter Assistance Centre open at Municipal Office. Hours to be advertised once confirmed |
| October 23, 2026 | Third-party advertiser registration end date |
| October 26, 2026, 10am–8pm | Voting Day |
| November 2, 2026 | Election signs must be removed in the Town of Midland |
| November 14, 2026 | Current Term of Council ends (2022–2026) |
| November 15, 2026 | New Term of Council begins (2026–2030) |
| December 31, 2026 | End of campaign period; last day to notify Town Clerk in writing to extend campaign period if in a deficit |
Frequently Asked Questions
2026 Municipal Elections
When will Town Council's new term begin?
What happens during a Restricted Acts ("Lame Duck") period?
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:
- The appointment or removal from office of any officer of the municipality;
- The hiring or dismissal of any employee of the municipality;
- The disposition of any real or personal property of the municipality which has a value exceeding $50,000 at the time of disposal; and
- 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.
How does the Town ensure voters can trust the integrity of online and phone voting?
Voting online or by telephone is a fast, convenient, and secure way to vote, which has been previously used successfully by many municipalities, including Midland. The Town takes its responsibility to run a fair and secure democratic election seriously and has processes in place to do so. Under law, eligible voters can only vote once in the election, and the internet and telephone voting system used by the Town can flag irregular voting occurrences for further investigation.
Before voting, eligible voters are reminded of the following important information: It is illegal to vote more than once in the same municipality. The Town will pursue individuals who commit voter fraud, which can carry a fine of up to $25,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
What are the rules on candidates' election signs?
The Election Sign By-law regulates the placement and use of election signs.
Who to Contact
Sherri Edgar
Director of Legislative Services/Town Clerk
Returning Officer
Town of Midland
575 Dominion Avenue
Midland ON L4R 1R2
sedgar@midland.ca
705-526-4275 ext. 2210