2026 Municipal and School Board Elections

Eligible Stone Mills voters will elect a number of different positions on Voting Day, including:

• One (1) Reeve (Mayor)
• One (1) Deputy Reeve (Deputy Mayor)
• Five (5) Councillors (no Ward system)

School Board Trustee elections are also held on October 26, 2026. Nominations for School Board Trustee are accepted by the Clerk of the municipality with the most electors representing the school board district. For the 2026 Election, the municipalities responsible for each school board trustee elections are:

• English Public School Board Trustee- Loyalist Township 
• English Catholic School Board Trustee- Loyalist Township 
• French Public School Board Trustee- City of Kingston 
• French Catholic School Board Trustee- City of Kingston 

Qualifications and Nominations Requirements

To run for Reeve, Deputy Reeve or Councillor, on the day the nomination paper is filed, a person must be:

• A Canadian citizen
• At least 18 years old
• A resident of the Township of Stone Mills, or an owner or tenant of land in the Township of Stone Mills, or the spouse of such person
• Not legally prohibited from voting
• Not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office 

To run for School Board Trustee, on the day the nomination paper is filed, a person must be:

• A Canadian citizen
• At least 18 years of age
• A resident in the area of jurisdiction of the board
• Not legally prohibited from voting
• Not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office

If you wish to run for School Board Trustee for one of the boards, you must live within the jurisdiction of that board.

The following individuals are disqualified from being elected or holding office on a municipal Council:

• A judge of any court.
• A member of the Provincial Legislature, the Federal House of Commons or Senate who has not resigned from their office by the close of nominations. Proof of resignation must be provided by the close of nominations or the Township Clerk will not certify the nomination.
• A candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement in the last municipal election or by-election.
• An inmate serving a sentence under the Municipal Elections Act and Municipal Act. 

A full list of disqualifications is available under the Municipal Elections Act and Municipal Act, found here.

Nomination Forms

• A nomination paper must be signed by 25 eligible voters supporting the nomination. The individuals providing signatures must sign a declaration stating they are eligible to vote in the municipality on the day they sign the endorsement. This endorsement becomes a public record. 
• Each candidate must provide proof of Canadian citizenship in a form acceptable to the Township Clerk. It is the responsibility of the candidate to file a bona fide nomination paper. 
• Nomination forms will be made available in the spring of 2026 or sooner, once released by the Province.
• Employees of the Township of Stone Mills or its local boards who wish to run for office must take an unpaid leave of absence as of the day the employee is nominated and ending on voting day, before submitting the nomination paper. Employees must provide a copy of the documentation showing this leave of absence and effective date are complete and must resign their position if elected. 

Filing Fees

• Filing fee for nomination to the position of Reeve is $200.00.
• Filing fee for nominations to Deputy Reeve, Councillor or School Board Trustee is $100.00.
• Payment must be by cash, certified cheque, debit or money order payable to the Township of Stone Mills.

Withdrawal of Nomination

 If a candidate decides they no longer wish to run for Office, the following must occur: 

• File a written Withdrawal of Nomination form, in-person, with the Township Clerk;
• Provide identification; and
• File a financial statement by the deadline date.

The last day to withdrawal is Friday, August 21, 2026, by 2:00 p.m.

Nomination Day

Nomination Day is Friday, August 21, 2026 from 9:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. All nominations received by the Clerk by this date and time will be examined before 4 p.m. on the Monday following nomination day. If the Clerk is satisfied that the person is qualified to be nominated, the Clerk will certify the nomination. 

Any additional nominations filed under subsection 33 (5) of the Municipal Elections Act shall be examined before 4 p.m. on the Thursday following nomination day. 

Reasons to Reject a Nomination by the Clerk

If the Clerk is not satisfied that the person is not qualified to be nominated, the Clerk shall reject the nomination and give notice to the person who sought to be nominated and all other candidates for that office. The Clerk's decision to reject a nomination is final. 

The Clerk may consider the following criteria in the decision to reject or certify nominations:

• The candidate has refused or declined to provide proof of qualifications or identification suitable to the Clerk.
• The candidate does not meet the eligibility requirements set out under Section 29(1) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.
• The nomination form is not complete in its entirety, or the filing fee has not been paid.
• The necessary financial statement was not filed for the previous regular election for any new election in which the individual may have been a candidate.

 Who Can Vote?

A person is entitled to vote in a municipal election if, on Voting Day, they:

• Reside in the local municipality, or are the owner or tenant of land in the municipality, or the spouse of such owner or tenant; and
• Are a Canadian citizen;
• Are at least 18 years old; and
• Are not prohibited from voting under the Municipal Elections Act or otherwise prohibited by law

Who Cannot Vote?

The following individuals cannot vote:

• A person who is serving a sentence of imprisonment in penal or correctional institution.
• A corporation.
• A person acting as 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 the corrupt practice 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. 

Where and How to Vote

Voters’ List

Elections Ontario is responsible for preparing the preliminary list of electors for each municipality and school board in Ontario. You must be on the Register of Voters to cast a ballot during Municipal and School Board Elections.

Visit RegisterToVoteON.ca for information on eligibility, registration, and how to confirm, update, or add yourself to the Register.

Who can register as a Third-Party Advertiser?

A registered third-party advertiser is an individual, corporation, trade union, or other body that advertises to support or oppose a candidate or a question on the ballot for the municipal election. A registered third party is subject to many of the same requirements as that of a candidate, including filing registration papers, expense limits and financial statements, and is subject to the Township's Election Sign By-law and other legislation and by-laws. 

A third party may register with the Clerk's Department Friday, May 1, 2026 until October 23, 2026. 

Registered third party packages will be available in the spring of 2026, or sooner. There is no registration fee for third party advertisers, but the Clerk must examine the registration and then certify the notice of registration if deemed compliant or reject the registration.

The following are not permitted to register:

• Municipal election candidates.

• Federal and Provincial political parties, constituency associations, registered candidates and leadership contestants.

• A Federal and Provincial government, municipality or local board.

If third party advertisers want to advertise in more than one municipality, they will be required to register in each municipality. This includes newspaper publications that originate in one municipality but are delivered to multiple municipalities.

The following are not considered as paid advertisements:

• An advertisement by and under the direction of a candidate;

• Where no expenses are incurred by the person/entity in relation to the advertisement; and

• When given or transmitted by an individual to employees, by a corporation to its shareholders, directors, members or employees or by a trade union to its members or employees.

Advertising that does not cost money to post or to broadcast, such as comments made on social media, will not be considered as third party advertising.

All third-party advertisements must contain the following information:

• The name of the registered third party;
• The municipality where the registered third party is registered; and
• The telephone number, mailing address or email address at which the registered third party may be contacted regarding the advertisement

The Clerk's Department is pleased to assist you with any questions you may have concerning the Municipal Election. For any questions, concerns or further information, please contact clerk@stonemills.com or 613-378-2475 x225.

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is hosting numerous webinar series designed to equip individuals with the tools, resilience, and confidence to meet today’s political challenges head-on. These series are offered at no charge.

AMO’s Healthy Democracy Leadership Series: Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities

This online program is designed to equip you with the tools, resilience, and confidence to meet today’s political challenges head-on. The series is offered at no charge in two dedicated streams: one for first-time candidates and one for those considering re-election in 2026

Stream 1: Considering Re-Election in 2026

For municipal elected officials preparing their path forward and seeking renewed clarity, confidence, and resilience.

Stream 2: First-Time Candidates for 2026

For community members exploring a run for municipal office and looking to build confidence, understanding, and support before launching a campaign.

Each stream includes four inspiring sessions (you can register for the full series or individual sessions): 

• Session 1—February/March 2026: Finding Your Why – Leading with Purpose and Authenticity
• Session 2—March/April 2026: Praise Your Rivals – Managing Conflict and Building Effective Relationships
• Session 3—April 2026: What Matters Most – Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Session 4—May 2026: Building Your Movement – Turning Values into Action

Who should attend:

• Community members considering a run for municipal office in 2026
• First-time or returning candidates seeking confidence and clarity
• Civic leaders exploring if elected office is right for them
• Municipal elected officials across Ontario
• Leaders preparing for re-election in 2026
• New and mid-term officials building their leadership foundation
• Experienced leaders seeking renewal and peer connection

You’ll Gain: 

• Clarity of purpose and authentic leadership values
• Tools for managing conflict and communication
• Strategies to sustain wellbeing and prevent burnout
• Practical campaign resources and peer connections

Registration Details: 

Stream 1 Registration 

Stream 2 Registration 

Running for Municipal Office - Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate

Focused specifically on underrepresented candidates, this 90-minute workshop provides useful insights and strategies to support you in getting your name on the ballot.

Facilitated by former municipal Councillors Steve Anderson and Jasvinder Sandhu, you will be taken through:

• What to expect running as an underrepresented candidate 
• Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
• Understand what it takes to become a candidate
• Identifying your target audience,
• Developing effective messaging and branding, 
• Utilizing community engagement practices to enhance visibility and support.
• And more!

Dates:

• February 4, 2026 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
• April 8, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30am

Registration is Free and details can be found here.

Youth Considering Running for Municipal Office

If you are a youth interested in running for municipal council in October 2026, we have a workshop for you! The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for young people thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections.

These sessions will provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and confidence around how to become a candidate and running a campaign.

Facilitated by three current municipal leaders, Natasha Salonen-Mayor of the Township of Wilmot, Cam Wales-Councillor, City of Brockville and Aidan Kallioinen-Councillor, Town of Espanola, you will gain firsthand insight into:

• What to expect running as a candidate and as young person 
• Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
• Understand what it takes to become a candidate
• Strategies for engagement including communication

And more!

Dates: 

• Wednesday, February 18, 6:30-8:00PM
• Wednesday, March 11, 6:30-8:00PM
• Wednesday, April 15, 6:30-8:00PM

Registration is Free and details can be found here. 

Do you need Assistance for the 2026 Municipal Election?

The Township of Stone Mills is committed to having regard to the needs of electors with disabilities and consideration to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001, as amended, while providing all eligible electors full access and the right to vote during the 2026 Municipal Election.

The Township of Stone Mills Administration Office at 4504 County Road 4 provides full accessibility for the 2026 Municipal Election. If you have specific needs/or a disability and require additional assistance, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 613-378-2475 x225 or email clerk@stonemills.com . 

Pursuant to Section 88.37(1) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended, municipalities are required, prior to October 1 in a regular election year, to establish a Compliance Audit Committee (CAC). The purpose of the CAC is to consider applications for compliance audits of candidates’ or registered third parties’ campaign finances and determine if audits are required. The responsibilities of the CAC are fulfilled in a fair, open and responsible manner.

The Committee is to be comprised of persons with accounting and audit, academic or legal backgrounds and/or other individuals with knowledge of election campaign finances. Members should have a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of municipal election campaign finances; proven analytical and decision-making skills; experience working on a committee, task force or similar setting; and good oral and written communication skills.

The Committee is established prior to Election Day and appointments take effect on the first day of the new Council’s term of office.

Here are some common inquiries regarding Municipal and School Board Elections. This page may be updated from time to time.

Who can vote?

In order to qualify as an eligible elector, you must:

• Reside in the Township of Stone Mills, or are the owner or tenant of land, or the spouse of such owner or tenant;
• Be a Canadian citizen;
• Be 18 years of age (as of Election Day); and
• Not prohibited from voting as outlined in s.17(3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 or otherwise by law.

How do I register to vote in the municipal election?

Elections Ontario manages a single register of electors for both provincial and municipal elections in Ontario. You can check to see if your name is on the voters' list or manage your information through the voter registration service. 

When can I file my nomination for Council?

The nomination period for 2026 is from May 1 to August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Why have I been asked to sign an endorsement?

As part of their nomination filing package, a candidate for Council must include twenty-five (25) written endorsements of nomination for their position. A person endorsing a nomination must be an eligible voter in Stone Mills on the day to which the endorsement is made. 

When can election signs be posted?

Election signs may be placed once a candidate has filed their nomination paper with the Clerk and paid the required filing fee. All election signs shall be removed within ninety-six (96) hours of the day on which the election is held. 

Can anyone use the Township logo in their campaign material?

No, the Township’s logo is protected, and the Township asserts copyright over its use.

What is a Registered Third Party?

A registered third party is any individual, corporation or trade union that advertises to support or oppose a candidate or a question on the ballot for the municipal election. A registered third party is subject to many of the same requirements as that of a candidate, including filing registration papers, expense limits and financial statements, and is subject to the Township's Election Sign By-law. No election advertising outside of a candidate or registered third party is permitted. 

An example of a registered third party would include, but is not limited to, a business operating from the municipality or a rate payers group.

As a resident, how much can I donate to one candidate? Can I donate to multiple candidates?

An individual may contribute up to $1,200 to one candidate. A contributor shall not make contributions exceeding a total of $5,000 to two or more candidates for office on the same Council.