Candidate Information

Township of Hamilton Council

The Council for the Township of Hamilton is comprised of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and four Councillors. The Mayor also serves as a 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.

Candidate Information Sessions

Northumberland County Candidate Information Session

Hosted by Northumberland County in partnership with local municipalities and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing)

Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Northumberland County Headquarters, 555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg, ON K9A 5J6

Why Attend?

These information sessions are intended to provide prospective candidates with key information needed to understand the process and requirements to run in the 2026 Municipal Election. The sessions are open to anyone interested in running for office or learning about the upcoming election.

*Registration is not required to attend.

AMO Workshops

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 sessions are 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.

Workshop for Underrepresented Candidates: Led by former municipal leaders, this session provide practical guidance and insider perspectives for those from underrepresented communities, while remaining open to all participants. The workshop explore what it takes to become a candidate, key strategies for running a successful campaign, how to develop effective messaging, and ways to use community engagement to build visibility and support.

Register for the Workshop for Underrepresented Candidates.

Local Candidate Information Night

Thinking about running for Municipal Council? The Township of Hamilton, The Township of Cramahe, and the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand invite residents to attend a FREE Candidate Information Session to learn more about serving your community as a municipal Councillor.

Where: Baltimore Recreation Centre, 23 Community Centre Road, Hamilton Township

This session will provide an overview of the roles and responsibilities of council, time commitments, and how municipal government works. Municipal staff and experienced representatives will also be available to answer questions and walk through the process for anyone considering running for council.

Who should attend: Anyone interested in learning more about running for council, including current council members or those exploring the possibility for future elections.

Come out, ask questions, and learn how you can play a role in shaping your community!

The Nomination Process

The nomination period for candidates begins on May 1, 2026 and ends on August 21, 2026. Read the Notice of Nomination for Office.

To run for Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or Councillor for the 2026 Municipal Election, you must complete and file both the Nomination Paper (Form 1) and Endorsement Form* (Form 2), as established by the Province of Ontario. Instructions for opening these forms:

Nomination Paper (Form 1): Open the link, save the document to your computer, fill out form.
Endorsement Form (Form 2): Open the link, download the form to your computer, then open the form from your downloads with the Adobe program.

Alternatively, you may pick up paper copies of Form 1 and Form 2 from the Office of the Clerk at 8285 Majestic Hills Drive.

Applicable election forms can also be found on the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Central Form Repository.

*You are encouraged to obtain more than the minimum 25 required signatures to help ensure compliance and account for any potential invalid or ineligible signatures.

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 8:30 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 - Deputy 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

Those wishing to run for School Board Trustee must file their nomination with the Town of Cobourg Municipal Office, located at 55 King Street West, Cobourg. If you're running for school board trustee, you don't need to provide endorsement. Those wishing to run for French School Board Trustee must file their nomination with the City of Oshawa Municipal Office, located at 50 Centre Street South, Oshawa.

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

Candidate Resources

Municipal By-laws and Policies

Use of Corporate Resources During an Election Policy
Township of Hamilton Sign By-law
Procedure By-law (currently being updated)

Provincial 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

Other Resources