Rules and time line for the October municipal election to be released at Council Committee today

By Gazette Staff

March 3^rd, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

The next municipal election will take place on October 26^th, 2026

There are very tight rules that apply.

Staff reviewed the policy for the 2026 municipal election with a goal to address any concerns, gaps or ambiguities that may have come up in the previous election through proposed revisions, and in implementation, staff education and candidate awareness.

We will publish the workings of an election once Council has debated the Staff report – for the moment, here are the important dates.

The 2026 election will be a very boisterous event.

Key Dates & Milestones

May 1, 2026: legislated deadline to establish rules on the use of municipal resources during an election.

May 1, 2026: Nomination period begins.

Aug 21, 2026: Nomination Day – last day for a candidate to file their nomination paper.

Oct 14 – 23, 2026: On-line voting period

Oct 17 & Oct 20, 2026: In-person advance polls

Oct 26, 2026: Election Day. Unofficial results are published on election night.

Oct 27, 2026: Official tabulation begins. Official results are certified and published once official tabulation is completed.