Candidate Information 2026

Candidate Information and Vote Leamington Logo

Candidates for Municipal Council:  Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillor

So You Want to Run for Council?

To learn about Municipal Elections, please read the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended. 

Being elected as a member of your local municipal council can be a rewarding and positive contribution to your community. There is also a commitment of your time that you should consider. The current schedule of Council Meetings includes two regular meetings per month. Council meetings are scheduled for the second and fourth Tuesday evenings. There may also be special meetings that will be scheduled during the year such as budget meetings. As a member of Council, you may be appointed to internal and external Committees that you are required to attend on behalf of the Municipality in addition to Council meetings. 

If you are interested in running as a candidate in the Municipal Election, it is highly recommended that you review the Ministry of Municipal Affairs Candidates Guide, which will be published on the Ministry's website in 2026.

Please review the guide below explaining the services and responsibilities of all levels of government.

Who does what in government

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Running for Municipal Office as an Underrepresented Candidate - Free Online Course

In addition, potential candidates may register for Running for Municipal Office--Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate, an online workshop presented by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). Focused specifically on underrepresented candidates, this 90-minute workshop provides useful insights and strategies to support you in getting your name on the ballot. Course content covers:

  • What to expect running as an underrepresented candidate 

  • Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office

  • Understand what it takes to become a candidate

  • Identifying your target audience,

  • Developing effective messaging and branding, 

  • Utilizing community engagement practices to enhance visibility and support

For further details on the course and contact information, please visit the AMO website. 

 

Questions?

More information related to the 2026 Municipal Election will be available closer to the opening of the Nomination Period (May 1, 2026).

Please direct any general inquiries regarding the 2026 Municipal Election to the Returning Officer and Municipal Clerk at clerks@leamington.ca or at 519-326-5761. 

Contact(s)

© 2024 The Municipality of Leamington 111 Erie Street North, Leamington, Ontario N8H 2Z9

Phone: 519-326-5761
Fax: 519-326-2481
Email: General Information

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