Elections
Municipal elections in Ontario are held every four years and are governed by the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. The next municipal election will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, with the swearing in of Oxford County Council on November 25, 2026.For information about voter eligibility, identification and voting in municipal elections, visit www.registertovoteon.ca
Municipal elections in Oxford County
In Oxford County, municipal elections are administered independently by the eight area municipalities. You can find information about voter registration, voting, and elected positions in your community by visiting your local municipality's website.
Oxford County Council is formed by the elected mayor of each municipality and the City of Woodstock's elected Deputy Mayor-County Councillor (new in 2026) and City-County Councillor. The role of Warden (head of Council) is elected at the start of each four-year council term. The term of the Deputy Warden, currently elected annually, is also decided by each new council.
Election information and resources
RegistertoVoteON.ca
Voter registration, ID to register to vote, and absentee voter info
Government of Ontario – Municipal elections
2026 municipal and school board elections, including key dates and rules for voters, candidates and third-party advertisers
2026 Voters’ Guide
Voter eligibility, voting, the voters’ list, identification and school board elections
2026 Candidates’ Guide
Candidate eligibility, nominations, campaigning and campaign finances
2026 Third-Party Advertisers’ Guide
Information about registration, advertising and campaign finance rules for third-party advertisers
Association of Municipalities of Ontario – Municipal elections
How municipal elections work and resources for voters and prospective candidates
Running for local office
To be eligible as a candidate in your local area municipality, you must meet the following requirements:
- A Canadian citizen
- At least 18 years of age
- A resident of the municipality you wish to run in, a non-resident owner or tenant of land in the municipality you wish to run in, or the spouse of such non-resident owner or tenant
- Not legally prohibited from voting
- Not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office
The nomination period for the 2026 municipal election begins on May 1, 2026. The deadline to file a nomination is Friday, August 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
Nomination papers must be filed with the clerk of the municipality where you wish to run. Visit your local municipality’s election website for nomination requirements, candidate information and the current list of candidates.
A candidate’s campaign period begins on the day they file their nomination with the municipal clerk.
- Election expenses cannot be incurred outside of the campaign period.
- Corporations and trade unions are not eligible to contribute to municipal election campaigns. This includes all council and school board elections. Corporations and trade unions can be third-party advertisers and make contributions to third-party advertisers.
- A candidate who does not accept any contributions of money, or incur any expenses, is not required to open a separate election bank account.
- Nomination filing fee is not considered a campaign expense.
- Candidates are responsible for keeping records of the financial activities related to their campaign. Remember to issue receipts for all donations of goods or services, obtain receipts for expenses incurred, and keep copies of all receipts.
- It is the responsibility of the candidate to file a complete and accurate financial statement on time. Candidates should completely familiarize themselves with the appropriate sections of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.