Information for Candidates
Training Session (optional)
Thinking of running in the 2026 Municipal Elections? The eight municipalities of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell are hosting a free bilingual training session, offered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, for anyone interested in becoming a candidate or registering as a third party advertiser. This session will provide an overview of the rules, responsibilities, and requirements of the municipal election process.
- Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30p.m.
- Location: St-Isidore Recreation Centre - 20 de l'Aréna Street, St-Isidore
- Registration: To participate, please email your name and the municipality where you intend to submit your nomination to elections@nationmun.ca by 4:00 p.m. on April 20, 2026.
Becoming a Candidate
Nominations for the positions of Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor will be accepted by The Clerk’s Office during regular office hours beginning Friday, May 1, 2026. The deadline to submit nominations is Nomination Day, Friday, August 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
A person is eligible to be a candidate if they are:
- A resident of The Nation Municipality;
- A Canadian citizen;
- At least 18 years of age; and
- Not prohibited from voting.
A candidate must not be:
- An inmate of a correctional institution or penitentiary serving a sentence of imprisonment;
- A member of municipal staff, unless they take an unpaid leave of absence during the campaign period and resign if elected. Exceptions apply to volunteer firefighters;
- A corporation, a judge of any court, a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, a Senator, or a Member of the House of Commons;
- A person convicted of an offence under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 related to corrupt practices. Other restrictions may apply.
For full details, refer to the Candidates’ Guide for Ontario municipal council and school board elections.
Nominations must be filed in person at Town Hall. While booking an appointment with the Clerk or their designate is not required, it is strongly recommended to ensure availability.
Electronic submissions will not be accepted.
Required Documents
Candidates must submit the following to the Clerk's Office:
- A completed Nomination Paper (Form 1)
- Valid proof of identity (for example, a driver’s licence)
- 25 endorsement signatures (from eligible electors of The Township of East Hawkesbury)
- The required nomination fee (cash, cheque, or debit):
- $200 for the office of Mayor
- $100 for the office of Deputy Mayor, Councillor
Note: Nomination fees will be refunded if the campaign financial statement is filed by the prescribed deadline.
