Elections

Every four years, the City of Kenora holds municipal elections for City Council positions. Council consists of a mayor and six councillors. The next municipal election will take place in 2026.

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Education Workshops

If you are considering running in the 2026 Municipal election, AMO offers free workshops to help you prepare. Visit AMO for for information on upcoming workshops and registrations.

Elections website

You can find out all you need to know about the October 2022 election by visiting the website kenoravotes.ca (offline until 2026), designed specifically for Municipal and School Board Elections.

The elections website kenoravotes.ca brings together all the important information for candidates and voters. Those interested in running for office and eligible voters can find out specific information about the election, including:

  • Filing a Nomination;
  • Registering to Vote;
  • Candidate profiles, and
  • Frequently Asked Questions.

Voter list and school support

You can visit Elections Ontario to update your information for provincial, municipal, district social services administration board and school board elections in Ontario. You will need to provide proof of identity and eligibility to vote which will be reviewed by Elections Ontario. Find out more about confirming and updating your information before the next municipal election in 2026 at Elections Ontario’s Voter Registration service

As of January 1, 2024, MPAC is no longer responsible for collecting voter information for local elections. MPAC remains responsible for collecting information about school support. To update your school support information, visit MPAC’s online School Support tool.

2026 Municipal and School Board Election: Key Dates

View the key dates for the upcoming Municipal and School Boards election issued by the Office of the Clerk/Returning Officer.

Revisions to the voter information

Individuals may confirm, update, or add their information to the municipal and provincial voters lists online at  https://www.registertovoteon.ca/

Nomination period begins

Candidates may begin filing nomination forms starting Friday, May 1, 2026, and may continue to file on any business day thereafter until Nomination Day (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). On Nomination Day, Friday, August 21, 2026, nomination forms may be submitted between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. s.33(4)(b)

Third-party advertiser registration period begins

Individuals, corporations, or trade unions may file the prescribed form with the Clerk to become a registered third-party advertiser. Restrictions apply regarding who is eligible to register. s.88.6(7).

Campaign period begins

The campaign period begins when a candidate files their nomination form and ends on December 31, 2026. Alternative time periods apply if the candidate withdraws their nomination, the Clerk rejects the nomination, or the candidate extends their campaign to eliminate a deficit. s.88.24(1),(2).

Elections Ontario to deliver the Preliminary List of Electors

Nomination day *nomination period ends

The last day to file a nomination. On this date, nomination forms may only be submitted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. s.33(4)(b).

The last day for a candidate to withdraw their nomination is by filing a written notice with the Clerk no later than 2:00 p.m. s.36.

Certification day

The Clerk shall examine all filed nomination forms prior to 4:00 p.m. and, if satisfied, certify the nominations s.35(1),(2).

By 4:00 p.m., the Clerk shall also declare any candidate(s) elected by acclamation. s.37(1).

Close of third-party advertiser registration period

Last day for a third-party advertiser to file a notice of registration, or withdraw their registration, during office hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) s.88.6(7), s.88.6(15).

Voters’ list

The Clerk shall make the voters’ list available to eligible individuals upon written request. S.23(2),(3),(4).

Revisions to the voters’ list

Individuals may apply to the Clerk’s Office until close of voting on October 26, 2026, to have their name added to or removed from the voters’ list, or to update their information. Requests may also be made to remove the name of a deceased person. s.24, 25.

Voting day

Online voting will continue throughout the day and close at 8:00 p.m. 

On-site voting at City Hall available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Declaration of results

As soon as possible, the Clerk shall declare the results and advise the public. s.(4),(4.1).

New term of office commences

Elected members must take the oath of office before assuming their seat. The inaugural meeting of Council will be held on December 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall.

Campaign period ends

Last day for candidates and registered third party advertisers to provide written notice of a deficit and the continuation of their campaign period. s.88.24(2), s.88.28.

Filing date

By 2:00 p.m., last day for candidates and registered third-party advertisers to file initial financial statements and auditors reports. s.88.30(1).

Contact Us

City of Kenora
1 Main Street South
Kenora ON P9N3X2

Phone: 807-467-2000
After hours: 807-467-2080

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday to Friday
Closed on Holidays

 

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