Municipal Election - Candidate Information

Township of Hamilton Council

The Council for the Township of Hamilton is comprised of the Mayor and four Councillors, one of whom is proclaimed Deputy Mayor. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor also serve as Councillors on the upper-tier Council for the County of Northumberland.

There is one regular Township of Hamilton Council and one Committee of the Whole meeting per month, with the exception of August. Special meetings are called as required, with two special Budget meetings typically taking place toward the end of each year. Council members are also required to take part in Advisory Committee meetings, each assigned various portfolios.

Interested in Running for Council?

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is hosting free online workshops to support individuals who are interested in running for municipal office in the 2026 Municipal Election.

These sessionsa re designed to help participates understand what it means to run for council, build confidence, and prepare for the nomination and campaign process.

Stream 1: For elected officials at the municipal level across Ontario who are considering re-election in 2026 and preparing their path forward.
Stream 2: For community members considering a run for municipal office in 2026 - first-time candidates who want to build confidence before launching a campaign.

You can find more information, and register, here.

Youth Information Session: A dedicated session for youth considering a run for municipal office, focusing on eligibility, roles and responsibilities of council, and how young people can get involved in local government. This session is intended to help youth understand the legislative framework and pathways to candidacy under Ontario’s municipal election rules.

Register for the Youth Information Session.

The Nomination Process

The nomination period for the 2026 municipal election runs from May 1, 2026 until August 21, 2026. Nomination forms will be available beginning May 1, 2026 from the Office of the Clerk.

Filing a Nomination

Nomination papers must be signed by the candidate and may be filed in person at the Township Office at 8285 Majestic Hills Drive during the following times:

May 1 to August 20, 2026: during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Friday, August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day): between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Nomination Requirements

When filing a nomination, candidates must bring the required documentation:

Proof of identity
Completed Nomination Paper (Form 1)
Filing Fee (refunded upon successful filing of campaign financial statements)
- $200 - Mayor
- $100 - Councillor

Endorsements (Form 2)

Candidates for Mayor or Councillor must also submit 25 endorsements using the prescribed Declaration of Qualification (Form 2).

Please note:

Endorsers must be eligible to vote in the Township of Hamilton on the day they sign
Each eligible voter may endorse more than one candidate
All endorsements must be completed and signed on Form 2

Qualification for Municipal Office

A candidate for municipal office must, upon nomination, be a qualified municipal elector and fulfill all of the following requirements:

Reside in the Township of Hamilton, or be the owner or tenant of land in the Township of Hamilton, or the spouse of such owner or tenant; and
Be a Canadian citizen; and
Be at least 18 years old; and
Not be legally prohibited from voting; and
Not be disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office

Please note: You must be eligible to hold office on the day you file your nomination. For example, a person who is 17 years old but will turn 18 before nomination day must wait until they have turned 18 to file their nomination.

Who is not eligible?

Any person who is not eligible to vote in the municipality
An employee of the municipality who has not taken an unpaid leave and resigned
A judge on any court
An MP, MPP or Senator
An inmate serving a sentence in a penal or correctional institution

Important Dates for Candidates

Nomination period opens Friday, May 1, 2026

*Campaign period begins when a candidate files their nomination papers.

Nomination period closes Thursday, August 21, 2026

*Paperwork must be filed by 2:00 p.m.

Candidates are Certified Monday, August 24, 2026

*All candidates will be certified by the Clerk by 4:00 p.m. and any acclamations are announced.

Election day Monday, October 26, 2026

Term of office commences Sunday, November 15, 2026

*The inaugural meeting of Council is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

Candidate Resources

Legislation

MMAH Candidate Guide

Your role as a councillor is intricate and involved. You will find yourself dealing with complex and sometimes contentious issues. Even the most seasoned councillor will encounter new questions. Knowing where to go for information on the roles, requirements and relationships of local government will help you to fulfil your role. This guide covers topics that are important to know throughout your term of office as a municipal councillor or head of council.

MMAH Candidate Guide