2026 Municipal Election

The next municipal election will be held on October 26, 2026.

The previous municipal election was held on October 24, 2022. Under the Municipal Elections Act, the four-year term of office for the current council and school board trustees began November 15, 2022 and ends on November 14, 2026.

This page is dedicated to providing residents with resources, information, and key dates related to the upcoming municipal election. Check back for updates as the election approaches.

Information for Voters

We encourage you to confirm that you are on the Voters List as soon as possible. Being on the list will make your voting experience easier, and help you avoid a trip to the municipal office to be added closer to the election.

If you are a resident, owner or tenant of property in Ontario, a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old and not legally prohibited from voting, you can vote in Ontario’s municipal and school board elections.

By visiting Register to Vote, eligible voters can:

  • confirm their information on the voters list
  • update, add or remove information on the voters list

Register to Vote is easy to use:

  • To confirm your information, you'll need your name, date of birth, and property address.
  • Additional ID is required to update, add or remove voter information.
  • You can also register as an absentee voter or if you are 16 or 17, add your name to the list of future voters.  

If you have questions about the Register to Vote process, please contact Register to Vote:

School Board Support

As a property owner, you are required to support a school system even if you do not have children or your children are not currently attending school. The school board you support dictates for which school board trustees you are eligible to vote.

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is responsible for maintaining information on the school support associated with your property.

The Municipality of Lambton Shores Council approved the use of internet voting for 2026. The Municipality of Lambton Shores has successfully used this voting method since 2018.

More information about how to vote, including video tutorials, will be shared close to the voting period.

Election Day is Monday, October 26, 2026. There will be an online voting period leading up to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day

The new term of Council will be November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030.

The Municipality will offer a Voting Help Centre during the voting period. More information about the dates, times and locations will be shared closer to the voting period.

The Municipality of Lambton Shores has a ward system with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor elected at large. In the Municipal election, you will have the opportunity to cast a vote for:

  1. Mayor (one elected at large)
  2. Deputy Mayor (one elected at large)
  3. Ward Councillor (one elected by each ward)

Helpful Ward Maps:

On Election Day, the Clerk will declare the unofficial results. Results will be shared on the Municipal website as soon as possible once the voting period closes.

Information for Candidates

The Municipality of Lambton Shores Council approved the use of internet voting for 2026. The Municipality of Lambton Shores has successfully used this voting method since 2018.

More information about how to vote, including video tutorials, will be shared close to the voting period.

Nominations for the Municipality of Lambton Shores will be accepted for the offices of:

  • Mayor (1): one elected at large
  • Deputy Mayor (1): one elected at large
  • Councillors (7): seven positions (one elected per ward)

View the Lambton Shores Ward Map

The Nomination Period begins May 1, 2026. Additional information and nomination packages will be available prior to that date. Details will be posted here.

If you are interested running for Council and would like to be added to the list to receive election information updates, please contact the Corporate Services Department.

The Association of Ontario Municipalities is a great resource for prospective candidates. AMO has a number of resources on how local government works and what it is like to serve on a municipal council. They offer a number of training courses for those interested in running for election, including courses focused on new and returning candidates. You can find the list of webinars on AMO's Events Calendar.

The Nomination Period begins May 1, 2026. Nomination Day is Friday, August 21, 2026.

Candidates can submit their nomination package to the Municipal Administration Building:

  • May 1, 2026 to August 20, 2026 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding holidays; or
  • Friday August 21, 2026 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (Nomination Day)

The campaign period begins when a candidate files their nomination form during the Nomination Period and ends on December 31, 2026. Alternative time periods apply if the candidate withdraws their nomination, the Clerk rejects the nomination, or the candidate extends their campaign to eliminate a deficit. s.88.24(1),(2)

The Candidate Financial Reporting deadline is March 30, 2027 at 2:00 p.m.

Late Candidate Financial Reporting (subject to a $500 late filing fee) is April 29, 2027 at 2:00 p.m.

On Election Day, the Clerk will declare the unofficial results. Results will be shared on the Municipal website as soon as possible once the voting period closes.

Information for Third Party Advertisers

Third party advertising refers to advertisements or other materials that support, promote or oppose a candidate, or support, promote or oppose a “yes” or “no” answer to a question on the ballot. The meaning of “third party” in this context means a person or entity who is not a candidate.

Third party advertising is separate from any candidate’s campaign, and must be done independently from a candidate. Any advertisements or materials that are made and distributed by a candidate, or under a candidate’s direction, are part of the candidate’s campaign.

A third party advertisement is an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium that promotes, supports or opposes a candidate, or a “yes” or “no” answer to a question on the ballot. Advertisement includes traditional ads as well as materials such as brochures or signs.

Third Party Advertising Registration Period:

  • May 1, 2026 to October 23, 2026 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding holidays)

Ending of Advertising:

  • The last day for any Third Party Advertising: December 31, 2026
  • Third Party Financial Reporting deadline: March 30, 2027 at 2:00 p.m.
  • Late Third Party Financial Reporting (subject to $500 late filing fee): April 29, 2027 at 2:00 p.m.

Questions related to the 2026 Municipal Election?

Please contact our Corporate Services Department at 519-243-1400

Contact Us

9577 Port Franks Road, Thedford, ON N0M 2N0
Municipal Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 519-243-1400 | 1-866-943-1400 | Fax: 519-243-8611