Key Election Dates

Key Dates

The following are key dates in the 2026 Municipal Election.

Key Dates for Candidates

Election 2026

Nomination Period

By Appointment Only:

May 1 to August 20, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Nomination Day

Walk-ins permitted.

Friday, August 21, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Certification of Nominations

 August 24, 2026 by 4:00pm                                                            

Official List of Candidates and Acclamations Posted

August 24, 2026 after 4:00pm                                          

Third Party Advertising Registration Period

May 1 to October 23, 2026 Monday to Friday 9:00am to 3:00pm 

 

Lame Duck Period

Restricted Acts for Council may apply if fewer than three members of Council file nominations by August 21, 2026. If triggered, the Lame Duck period would apply from August 21 to November 15, 2026.

Preliminary List of Electors Released as Voters' List

September 1, 2026

 

Voting Period

Monday, October 19 at 10:00am to Monday, October 26, 2026 at 8:00pm

 

Term of Office Commences

Inaugural Meeting of the newly elected Council will be on Monday, November 16, 2026.  The term continues until November 15, 2030.

 

Information for Voters

Voters' List Registration Period

 

Online Registration with Elections Ontario: Open Now until August 14, 2026

In-Person Registration at Municipal Office 
September 1, 2026 to October 16, 2026 at 4:00pm

In-Person Registration at Revisions Centre in Emond Hall

Oct. 19  10:00AM to 4:00PM

Oct. 20, 21, 22 9:00AM to 4:00PM

Oct. 23  9:00AM to 7:00PM

Oct. 24  9:00AM to 1:00PM

Oct. 26   9:00AM to 8:00PM

Voting Period: October 19-26, 2026

Where Can I Vote?

Online: In Person with a device:
Anywhere with Internet or Telephone Connection

Hastings Highlands Municipal Office (Voter Help Centre): 
Oct 19  10:00AM to 4:00PM
Oct 20, 21, 22 9:00AM to 4:00PM
Oct 23 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Oct 24 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Oct 26 9:00AM to 8:00PM

Pop-Up Locations:
Oct. 20 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Monteagle Fire Station Parking Lot, 3205 Musclow-Greenview Rd
Monteagle Valley

Oct 21 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Lake St. Peter Community Centre Parking Lot, 5 Boulter Lake Rd Lake St. Peter

Oct 22 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Herschel Rink Parking Lot
168 S. Baptiste Lake Rd
Birds Creek

24 hours a day from Monday, October 19, 2026 at 10:00am to Monday October 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Hastings Highlands Centre: Election Day, October 26: 9:00am to 8:00pm

When Can Election Signs be Legally Placed?

Election Sign Bylaw 2017-103 applies

Signs can be erected no earlier that the set nomination day of a municipal election.

August 21, 2026 is the nomination day.

Signs must be removed within 48 hours immediately following 11:59 p.m. of Election Day - October 26, 2026.

Therefore, signs must be removed by Wednesday, October 28, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.

End of Campaign Period

Dates to Remember

 

Last Date for Candidate and Third Party Campaigning

Last day for campaign income or expenses Thursday, December 31, 2026.

Candidate and Third Party Financial Reporting Period Deadline

January 4, 2027 until Tuesday, March 30, 2027 at 2:00pm

Late Candidate and Third Party Financial Reporting

Thursday, April 29, 2026 at 2:00pm