Elections

Elections Ontario has prepared the Preliminary List of Electors for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections and provided it to the Town of Perth.

From September 1 to October 26, you can contact Town Hall to confirm that your name and information are correct on the Voters’ List. You will need to provide proof of identity and residence.

Checking your information helps ensure the Town has an accurate and up-to-date Voters’ List and that you’re ready to vote in the 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections.

Not sure if you fall within the Town of Perth boundaries? Take a look at the map below.

The Voting Period for the 2026 Municipal Election takes place from Monday, October 19 at 8:30 a.m. to Monday, October 26, 2026 at 8 p.m. Voting can be done at any time during the Voting Period.

Town of Perth will be voting using only Internet and Telephone for the 2026 Municipal Election. There will be no paper ballots.

Why do we use Internet/Telephone voting?

• Electors can vote any time during the Voting Period from October 19th at 8:30 a.m. to October 26th at 8 p.m. 
• Eligible electors will be able to vote using a telephone, computer, cell phone, iPad, tablet or laptop. 
• This is an accessible, environmentally-friendly and convenient method of voting, providing electors with the flexibility of voting from anywhere.
• As with previous elections, voters will be able to attend the Help Centre at the Town Hall and cast their vote if assistance is required.  

Learn more about how to vote:

Have questions? Take a look at Common Voter Questions and Answers for eVoting.

Revision Centre

A Revision Centre will be located at Town Hall from: 

• September 1 to October 23 from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
• Saturday, October 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and
• October 26, from 8:30 a.m to 8 p.m.

Electors will be able to be able to:

• Make revisions to their information on the Voters' List (if needed), or
• Get general voting information/ask questions

Help Centre

A Help Centre will be located at Town Hall from:

• October 19 to 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
• October 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and on
• October 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Qualified voters will be able to:

• Request a Voter Information Letter (if you did not receive one in the mail in October)
• Request assistance with voting (if needed)

View the 2026 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan

As per the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, a person is entitled to be an elector at an election held in a local municipality (unless prohibited by this Act or any other Act) if, on Voting Day, they are:

• a Canadian citizen,
• at least 18 years old,
• residing in the Town of Perth, or are the owner or tenant of land in the Town of Perth, or the spouse of such owner or tenant

The following are prohibited from voting:

• A person who is serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institution;
• a corporation;
• A person acting as an executor or trustee or in any other representative capacity, except as a voting proxy in accordance with Section 44 of the Municipal Elections Act.
• A person who was convicted of a corrupt practice described in Section 90(3) of the Municipal Elections Act, if voting day in the current election is less than five years after voting day in the election in respect of which he or she was convicted.

For further information on Voter Qualifications, please see below:

Resident Voter

An owner or tenant who lives in the Town of Perth and is eligible to vote in the municipal election. Where a voter qualifies at more than one location in the municipality, the voter may vote only once for each office and the qualifying address to determine eligibility for voting will be the elector’s place of residence.

• Unhoused Persons - If a person has no permanent residence or lodging place, the following rules apply in determining his or her residence:
  • The place to which the person most frequently returned to sleep or eat during the five weeks preceding the determination.
  • If the person returns with equal frequency to one place to sleep and to another to eat, the place to which he or she sleeps.
  • Multiple returns to the same place during a single day, to eat or to sleep, shall be considered one return.
  • A person's affidavit regarding the places to which he or she returned to eat or sleep during a given time period is conclusive in the absence of evidence to the contrary.

Non-Resident Voter

If a person lives in one municipality, but owns or rents property in another municipality, then they are a non-resident elector and are able to vote in each municipality's election, provided they are not voting for the same office more than once. For example, School Board votes must be cast in the municipality where the elector resides.

• Spouse of Non-Resident Voter - If a person lives in one municipality, and qualifies as a spouse of a non-resident elector, then they are able to vote in each municipality's election, provided they are not voting for the same office more than once. For example, School Board votes must be cast in the municipality where the elector resides.

Student

A student may vote in the municipality where he or she is temporarily residing while attending school, as well as at his or her permanent home in a different municipality, provided that he or she does not intend to change his or her permanent home. 

If you or your spouse own or rent property in a municipality other than your primary residence you may be eligible to vote in more than one municipal election, provided you are not voting for the same office more than once. For example, School Board votes must be cast in the municipality where the elector resides. Be sure to register in each applicable municipality through Elections Ontario.

As of January 1, 2024, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) no longer collects voter information for municipal elections. MPAC continues to manage school support designations.

Property owners must select a school support designation—even if:

• You do not have children
• Your children do not attend school
• You wish to support a specific school board for trustee voting purposes

While MPAC encourages updates to be made prior to June 1 so they can be included in the Preliminary List of Electors, voters will still be able to apply to MPAC to change their school support after June 1. You can update your designation using MPAC’s Online School Support Tool. After submitting your update, you’ll receive an email confirmation. Share this with your municipality so your information can be updated on the final Voters List.

• 2026 Municipal Election General Information
• 2026 Municipal Election Key Dates
• 2026 Municipal Election Procedures
• 2026 Voters' Guide
• 2026 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan
• MPAC Online School Support Tool
• Common Voter Questions and Answers for eVoting
• Acceptable Documents for Voter Identification
• Municipal Elections Act
• Municipal Act
• Municipal Conflict of Interest Act 
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing - Election Resources
• Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) - Municipal Elections

The term of office is four (4) years, beginning November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030.

Offices for which persons may be nominated are as follows:

Town Council:

• Mayor - 1 to be elected
• Deputy Mayor - 1 to be elected
• Councillor - 5 to be elected

School Board Trustees:

• Upper Canada District School Board (English Public) - 1 to be elected by public school electors
• Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (English Separate) - 1 to be elected by separate school electors
• Conseil des Écoles Publique de l'est de L’Ontario (French Public) - 1 to be elected by French language public school electors
• Conseil des Écoles Catholiques du Centre-Est (French Separate) - 1 to be elected by French language separate school electors

Candidates are responsible for ensuring that they meet the Candidate Qualifications prior to filing their nomination papers. A nomination must be filed prior to accepting campaign contributions or incurring expenses. To run for Council (Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Councillor) the person must be:

• a resident of the Town of Perth; or
• a non-resident who is an owner or tenant of land in the Town of Perth or the spouse of such an owner or tenant; and
• a Canadian citizen; and
• at least eighteen (18) years of age.

• A person who is serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institute.
• A corporation.
• A person acting as an executor or trustee or in any other representative capacity.
• A person who ceases to be a Canadian citizen.
• A person who is not a resident, the owner or tenant of land or the spouse of an owner or tenant of land in the municipality.
• An employee of the municipality or local board unless he or she takes an unpaid leave of absence beginning the day the employee is nominated and resigns if elected to the office.
• A person who is not an employee of the municipality but who is the Clerk, Treasurer, Integrity Commissioner, Auditor General, Ombudsman or registrar referred to in section 223.11 of the Municipal Act, 2001 or an investigator referred to in subsection 239.2 91 of the municipality, or a person who is not an employee of the municipality but who holds an administrative position of the municipality.
• A judge of any court; a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario or the Senate or House of Commons of Canada.
• A public servant within the meaning of the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006.
• A federal employee within the meaning of the Public Service Employment Act.
• A person who is prohibited from voting in a municipal election according to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 or the Municipal Act, 2001.
• A person who has violated financial requirements for filing financial information in the previous election.
• A person who has been convicted of a corrupt practice under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 or of an offence under the Criminal Code (Canada) in connection with an act or omission that relates to an election to which the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 applies.

*Despite the above disqualification, MPs, MPPs and Senators may be nominated for municipal office without having to resign their current seat in parliament. However by 2 p.m. on August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day), MPs, MPPs and Senators will be required to resign their current seat should they wish to continue to seek municipal office. If you are a federal or provincial cabinet minister, you must step down from cabinet prior to filing your nomination and must resign your seat by the close of nominations.

Nominations will be accepted by the Returning Officer/Clerk at the Town Hall, 80 Gore Street E, Perth between Friday, May 1, 2026 and Thursday, August 20, 2026, during regular business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Friday, August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Note: You must contact the Returning Officer/Clerk to make an appointment to file your Nomination.

View the Notice of Nominations for Municipal Office and the Letter from the Returning Officer/Clerk for more details.

Nominations must be filed either in person or by your agent, with the Returning Officer/Clerk and include the following: 

• Nomination Paper - Form 1* 
• Endorsement of Nomination - Form 2* (must contain at least 25 original signatures endorsing the nomination from persons who would be eligible to vote for that office in the Town of Perth municipal election, if the election was held on the day that the person endorses the nomination )
• Declaration of Qualifications - Form EL18
• Consent to Release Personal Information - Form LC02
• Prescribed Nomination Filing Fee (cash, debit, credit, certified cheque or money order):
  • $200.00 for Mayor
  • $100.00 for Deputy Mayor, Councillor or School Board Trustee

Candidates must bring proof of identity and residence and the unsigned forms with them to the Town Hall where they are to be signed in front of the Returning Officer/Clerk or Deputy Returning Officer and filed. 

Please ensure the Forms you submit are the 2026/04 version (as linked above).

Following the end of your campaign, you must prepare your Financial Statement-Auditor Report-Form 4*. Financial Statements must be filed with the Returning Officer/Clerk by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30, 2027.

*If you are having issues viewing the form in your browser, please download and open in the Adobe PDF program.

Are people allowed to sign Endorsement Forms for more than one candidate?

Yes. An eligible voter in the Town of Perth can sign an endorsement for more than one person seeking nomination, provided the person would be eligible to vote for that office in the Town of Perth municipal election, if the election was held on the day that the person endorses the nomination. 

Are family members allowed to sign Endorsement Forms for Candidates?

Yes. Any eligible voter - including family members - can sign an Endorsement Form for a person seeking nomination.

Where can I put up election signs?

No election signs may be erected prior to September 14, 2026. All signage must be removed by November 2, 2026. Please see By-law No. 5016 - To regulate Election Campaign Advertising and Third Party Advertising.

Please also review the following documents;

County of Lanark By-Law 2023-16 - Regulate Signs and Devices

Election Sign Policy - Ontario Ministry of Transportation

Information Sessions

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is hosting free candidate information sessions in Lanark County this July. These sessions are designed to help you understand what it takes to run and serve in local government.

• Roles and responsibilities of council
• Eligibility requirements and the nomination process
• Campaign finances and compliance
• Voting processes and key resources

• Session 1
  • Thursday, July 9, 2026
  • 6-9 p.m.
  • Lanark County Administration Building (99 Christie Lake Road, Perth)
• Session 2
  • Thursday, July 16, 2026
  • 6-9 p.m.
  • Town of Carleton Place Arena, Upstairs (75 Neelin Street, Carleton Place)

Workshops

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering free virtual workshops for anyone considering candidacy in the October 2026 municipal elections. Whether you're a first-time candidate or a current Council member, these sessions will help you lead with purpose, navigate conflict, protect your wellbeing, and build meaningful community connections.

• Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities (First-time Candidates)
  • Location: Virtual
  • Dates:
    • Session 1: Finding Your Why – Leading with Purpose and Authenticity (June 16, 2026)
    • Session 2: Praise Your Rivals – Managing Conflict and Building Relationships (June 23, 2026)
    • Session 3: What Matters Most – Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellbeing (June 25, 2026)
    • Session 4: Building Your Movement – Turning Values into Action (June 30, 2026)
  • Register here
• Running for Municipal Office - Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate
  • Location: Virtual
  • Date: Tuesday, June 9 from 6:30-8 p.m.
  • Register here
• Information Session for Youth Considering Running for Municipal Office
  • Location: Virtual
  • Date: Tuesday, June 2 from 6:30-8 p.m.
  • Register here
• Information for Urban Indigenous Peoples Considering Running for Municipal Office
  • Location: Virtual
  • Dates:
    • Wednesday, May 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
    • Wednesday, June 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Register here
• Running for Municipal Office - Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate
  • Location: Virtual
  • Date: June 9 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Register here

Lead Where You Live is AMO’s go-to guide for anyone thinking about running in the 2026 municipal election. It covers what municipal councils do, what it means to serve your community, and how to plan a strong campaign. Whether you’re just exploring the idea or ready to file your nomination, this resource offers practical tools and insights to support you every step of the way.

The 2026 Candidates' Guide from the Province of Ontario provides information to candidates for the 2026 municipal and school board elections. The information also applies to any by-elections that may be held during the 2026–2030 council and school board term.

• Introductory Letter to Candidates
• Roles of Council, Mayor, and Municipal Administration
• 2026 Municipal Election General Information
• 2026 Municipal Election Key Dates
• 2026 Candidates' Guide
• Candidate Questions and Returning Officer Responses
• By-law No. 5016 - To regulate Election Campaign Advertising and Third Party Advertising
• By-law No. 5027 - Use of Corporate Resources during an Election Period Campaign Policy
• County of Lanark By-Law 2023-16 - Regulate Signs and Devices
• Election Sign Policy - Ontario Ministry of Transportation
• 2026 Municipal Election Procedures
• Municipal Elections Act
• Municipal Act
• Municipal Conflict of Interest Act 
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing - Election Resources
• Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) - Municipal Elections
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing Candidate and Third-Party Advertiser Information Session Slides - Carleton Place Session
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing Candidate and Third-Party Advertiser Information Session Slides - Perth Session
• Broadcaster/Publisher Information Sheet
• Voter ID Requirements

A Registered Third-Party (Third-Party Advertiser) is an individual who is normally a resident in Ontario, a corporation that carries on business in Ontario, or a trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario, and who's Notice of Registration for Third-Party Advertiser has been certified by the Clerk.

Please review the 2026 Guide for Third-Party Advertisers.

A Third-Party Advertisement is an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic, or other medium that has the purpose of promoting, supporting or opposing a candidate, or a "yes" or "no" answer to a question on the ballot, but does not include an advertisement;

• by or under the direction of a candidate,
• that incurs no expenses in relation to the advertisement, or
• that is transmitted by employees, shareholders, members or directors of the Registered Third-Party

A Third-Party Advertisement shall contain;

• the name of the registered Third-Party Advertiser
• the municipality where the Third-Party Advertiser is registered; and
• contact information for the registered Third-Party Advertiser

An individual, corporation, or trade union must register with the Returning Officer/Clerk to be a Third-Party Advertiser in the Town of Perth by completing and filing the following forms between Friday, May 1, 2026 to Friday, October 23, 2026. You must contact the Returning Officer/Clerk to make an appointment to file your registration;

• Notice of Registration - Third-Party*
• Declaration of Qualifications - Third-Party Advertiser
• Contributions to Registered Third-Parties

The Returning Officer/Clerk must be satisfied that the individual, corporation, or trade union is eligible in order to certify the registration and may require that identification or additional documents by provided.

There is no registration fee.

A Third-Party may only advertise to voters in the municipality where it is registered.

The Third-Party Advertiser must file their completed Financial Statement* with the Returning Officer/Clerk between Monday, January 4, 2027 and no later than 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30, 2027.

*If you are having issues viewing the form in your browser, please download and open in the Adobe PDF program.

• By-law No. 5016 - To regulate Election Campaign Advertising and Third Party Advertising

August 31, 2026 - Notice of Election Information - Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (s. 40)
December 3, 2025 - Notice of Nominations for Municipal Office - Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (s. 32)