Information for Candidates

To become a candidate for mayor, councillor, or school board trustee, you must file nomination papers with the Municipal Clerk between 8:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1 and 2 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026.

For the 2026 election, Haldimand County Council will be made up of eight members:

  • The mayor, who is elected at large
  • 7 Councillors, who are elected in each ward across Haldimand County 

The mayor and councillors are elected to represent Haldimand County and advocate for the interests of its residents.

Candidate forms, including nomination papers, will be available in April. Be sure to check this webpage regularly for the most up-to-date information.

Thinking of running?

Save the date: Candidate Information Session

When: Tuesday, April 21
Where: Haldimand County Administration Building

Full details and links will be made available closer to the event.

Becoming a candidate

Nomination period: Friday, May 1 at 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026

To file your nomination, you must make an appointment with the Municipal Clerk.

Appointments will be available during the nomination period. Our online request form to book your appointment with the Clerk will open on April 22 at 9 a.m. Appointment requests must be made through the online form or in person at the administration building. Email appointment requests will not be accepted.

Candidate forms, including nomination papers, are provided by the Province of Ontario and will be available in April. Be sure to check this webpage regularly for the most up-to-date information.

To run for mayor or councillor, you must be:

  • A Canadian citizen
  • At least 18 years of age
  • A resident of Haldimand County, or
  • An owner or tenant of land in Haldimand County, or the spouse of the owner or tenant
  • Not legally prohibited from voting
  • Not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office

Who cannot run for mayor or a councillor

The following people are disqualified from being elected as mayor or councillor:

  • 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
  • A candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement or exceeded the prescribed spending limit in the last municipal election or by-election

Haldimand County employees

Employees of Haldimand County who wish to run for mayor or councillor must take an unpaid leave of absence before filing a nomination paper. 

To run for any of the school boards, you 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

Who cannot be a school board trustee candidate

The following people are disqualified from being elected as a school board trustee, or from holding office on any school board:

  • A clerk, treasurer, deputy-clerk or deputy-treasurer of any municipality within the area of jurisdiction of the school board, except those on an unpaid leave of absence
  • 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
  • A candidate who failed to file the necessary financial statement or exceeded the prescribed spending limit in the last municipal election or by-election

School board employees

Employees of any school board (including supply teachers) are disqualified from being elected as school board trustees or from holding office on any school board, except during a leave of absence.

Types of school boards

Details on the school boards for which residents of Haldimand County are eligible to vote will be provided when available.

 

To become a candidate in the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, you must make an appointment to file your nomination in person with the Municipal Clerk during the nomination period (May 1 to August 21 at 2 p.m.)

Nominations must be filed in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building (53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga).

To file a nomination, you must provide:

  • Nomination Paper - Form 1 (available in April)
  • Endorsement of Nomination - Form 2 (available in April)
    • For mayor and councillor nominations, your Endorsement of Nomination must include at least 25 declarations of endorsements
  • Acceptable identification
  • Nomination filing fee (paid by cash, credit or debit card, certified cheque or money order, payable to Haldimand County). This fee is refunded after candidates file the required financial statement.
    • Mayor: $200
    • Councillor/Board Trustee: $100

Please note that original signatures are required on all forms.

If an agent is filing a nomination on your behalf, they must provide their own identification along with the above documentation.

All forms required to file as a candidate are provided by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Updated forms for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election are expected to be available in April 2026. Links to the correct documents will be added here as soon as they are released.

Candidates filing a nomination must present current acceptable identification (ID) showing name, qualifying Haldimand County address and signature.

This can be one piece of ID or a combination of two pieces of ID.

Using one piece only

Must be identification that shows your name, qualifying Haldimand County address and signature:

  • Ontario driver’s licence
  • Ontario Health Card (photo card with address)
  • Ontario motor vehicle permit (plate portion)
  • Cancelled personalized cheque
  • Mortgage, lease or rental agreement
  • Insurance policy
  • Loan or financial agreement with a financial institution
  • Document issued or certified by a court in Ontario
  • Any other document from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government
  • Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada)

Using a combination of two pieces

You must provide one piece of ID from each list below.

Acceptable forms of ID when using a combination of two pieces of ID
One piece of ID showing your name and signature One piece of ID showing your name and a qualifying Haldimand County address
  • Ontario driver’s licence
  • Ontario Health Card
  • Ontario motor vehicle permit (plate portion)
  • Canadian passport
  • Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
  • Certificate of Indian Status
  • Veterans Affairs Canada Health Card
  • Social Insurance Number Card
  • Old Age Security Card
  • Credit card
  • Debit card
  • Employee Identification card
  • Student Identification card issued by a post-secondary institution
  • Union Identification card or professional licence card
  • Cancelled personalized cheque
  • Mortgage, lease or rental agreement for property in Ontario
  • Insurance policy
  • Document issued or certified by a court in Ontario
  • Any other document issued by the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government
  • Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada)
  • Ontario motor vehicle permit (vehicle portion)
  • Income tax assessment notice
  • Child Tax Benefit Statement
  • Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E
  • Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS)
  • Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P)
  • Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions
  • Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Works
  • Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program
  • Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007
  • Property tax assessment
  • Insurance statement
  • Mortgage, lease or rental statement for property in Ontario
  • Credit card, bank account, RRSP, RRIF, RHOSP or T5 statement
  • CNIB Card or a card from another registered charitable organization which provides services to persons with disabilities
  • Hospital card or record
  • Document showing campus residence issued by the office or officials responsible for student residence at a post-secondary institution
  • Utility bill for hydro, water, gas, telephone or cable TV or a bill from a public utilities commission
  • Cheque stub, T4, or pay receipt issued by an employer
  • Transcript or report card from a post-secondary school
  • Document issued or certified by a court in Ontario
  • Any other document issued by the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government
  • Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada)

All candidates are required to file a Financial Statement - Form 4 (available in April) for their campaign, even if they did not spend any money or if they withdrew their nomination.

Candidates are responsible for keeping records of all financial activities related to their campaign. Financial statements must be completed using the prescribed form and must include all financial activity from the day your nomination paper is filed until the end of the campaign period (December 31, 2026). 

If you withdraw your nomination, you must still file a financial statement. It must cover the period from the day your nomination was filed until the day your withdrawal was filed. 

Important rules to keep in mind

  • You cannot raise or spend any money on your campaign until you have filed your nomination paper.
  • You must open a separate campaign bank account if you plan to spend any money or accept contributions.
  • Individuals can only contribute a maximum of $1,200 to a councillor or school board trustee candidate, and up to $2,500 to a mayoral candidate.
  • You must record the full name and address of anyone who contributes money or goods/services to your campaign.
  • You cannot accept contributions from corporations or trade unions.
  • You must follow the spending and contribution limits provided to you when you file your nomination.

Public disclosure

Filed financial statements are public documents. They will be posted in full on the Haldimand County website, including the names and addresses of all those who contributed over $100.

If you do not file your financial statement on time, you will not be eligible to run in a municipal election until after the next regular election.

More information can be found in the Campaign Finance section of the 2026 Candidates Guide - Ontario municipal council and school board elections (available in April).

Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committees (MECAC) provide an independent and transparent way to review concerns about campaign finances in municipal elections. Under the Municipal Elections Act, any eligible voter who believes a candidate or registered third‑party advertiser has broken campaign finance rules can request a compliance audit. MECAC reviews these requests and decides whether an audit should take place.

For the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, the City of Brantford, County of Brant, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County will appoint a joint MECAC. This shared committee will include impartial community members with experience in areas such as accounting, law, and municipal governance. The committee's role is to review applications, decide whether an audit is warranted, and, when required, appoint a qualified auditor.

Details on the joint MECAC will be posted to the MECAC page as theybecome available. 

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing publishes a guide for candidates in Ontario municipal and school board elections. While this guide does not replace provincial legislation, it provides helpful, general information about the rules in laws such as the Municipal Elections Act, the Municipal Act, and the Education Act.

A version of the guide updated for the 2026 Municipal and School Board election is expected to be released in April. A link will be added here once it becomes available. In the meantime, the 2022 Candidates’ Guide - Ontario municipal council and school board elections is still available, but some details may no longer reflect current rules or processes. 

Prospective candidates can use the resources below to learn more about the election process, candidate responsibilities, and related policies, procedures, and legislation. 

Haldimand County resources

Provincial resources

Municipal association resources

The role of Mayor and Council

Candidates should understand the responsibilities and time commitment involved in serving on Haldimand County Council. 

For the 2026 election, Haldimand County Council will be made up of 8 members: the Mayor, elected at large, and 7 councillors, each elected to represent one of the County's wards.  Together, the mayor and councillors represent the community and advocate for the interests of Haldimand County residents. 

The Mayor

The Mayor provides leadership to Haldimand County Council and to the community.

Their responsibilities include:

  • Serving as the municipality’s chief executive officer and providing overall leadership and direction
  • Chairing Council meetings and ensuring business is handled efficiently
  • Guiding and informing Council, offering recommendations, and supporting policy‑making
  • Representing Haldimand County at official events and acting as its public spokesperson
  • Promoting the municipality’s goals and supporting initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing
  • Has strong mayor powers*, which include:
    • vetoing certain by-laws to advance provincial priorities
    • proposing the municipal budget
    • using other authorities granted through provincial legislation

*The Mayor may delegate some of these powers or choose not to exercise them. 

Councillors

Councillors are elected to represent the interests and priorities of residents in their ward and to help shape local policies, services, and long-term plans.

Their responsibilities include:

  • Working collaboratively with Council and staff using established processes for public inquiries
  • Building trust and maintaining strong relationships with residents and staff
  • Setting direction for the municipality through policies, by‑laws, and long‑term planning
  • Identifying issues, reviewing information, engaging with the public, and considering staff advice
  • Making informed decisions and overseeing how policies are carried out
  • Ensuring municipal resources are used responsibly
  • Monitoring the delivery of services and programs while staff manage day-to-day operations
  • Helping establish goals, practices, and guidelines that support effective local government

Haldimand County Council holds in-person meetings (with a virtual option) in the Council Chambers at 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga. 

A meeting schedule is approved by Council each year and generally follows a three-week cycle that alternates between Council in Committee meetings and Council meetings. On average, 4 to 5 meetings occur each month.

  • Council in Committee meetings: usually held on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. and often run into the afternoon
  • Council meetings: usually held on Mondays at 6 p.m. and are typically shorter

Members of Council are expected to attend all Council and Council in Committee meetings. Special or emergency meetings of Council may be called as needed and may occur during the day or in the evening. 

Most Council members are also appointed to 3 or 4 additional boards or committees. These may include external organizations, such as the Grand Erie Board of Health or the Grand River Conservation Authority. Typically, each board or committee meets once a month for 1 to 3 hours, sometimes during the day but mostly in the evenings. 

Council agendas can be lengthy, often hundreds of pages. Council members must spend time reviewing reports, correspondence, and background information so they can participate meaningfully in discussions and make informed decisions. 

Throughout the year, Council members are invited to attend various public events, including receptions, open houses, celebrations, annual meetings, and community activities hosted by Haldimand County or partner organizations. 

While attendance is not mandatory for most events, it is encouraged as a valuable way to connect with residents. 

Council members are also frequently approached by residents about issues or concerns, whether out in the community or through emails and phone calls. These contacts may occur during the day, evenings, or weekends. Councillors may respond directly or refer inquiries to County staff. 

Because the Mayor represents all residents in every ward, they attend additional meetings, public events, and community activities. The Mayor also plays a key role in intergovernmental relations by meeting with representatives from other levels of government to advocate for local priorities. 

Strong mayor powers and duties also create additional time commitments. Mayors may choose to use these powers frequently, occasionally, or not at all, and may delegate some responsibilities. 

Technology plays an important role in how Council communicates and carries out its work. Council members will be using tools such as mobile phones, email, Microsoft Teams, and other software to stay connected with staff, community partners, and the public. 

Each member of Council is provided with a County-issued mobile phone and laptop to support their work. Council documents (including agendas and minutes) are shared electronically. 

The Mayor is provided with an office to conduct business. Councillors do not have dedicated office space, but meeting rooms at the Haldimand County Administration Building in Cayuga can be booked when needed. 

Haldimand County is made up of diverse communities, and everyone (Council members, staff, and the public) deserves to be treated fairly, respectfully, and free from discrimination or harassment. 

Council members are expected to perform their duties with integrity, professionalism, and respect. They must follow the Council Code of Conduct, which supports ethical behaviour, strengthens public trust, and promotes fairness and accountability.

Find some helpful resources on conduct and expectations below.

Haldimand County

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

Contact Us

Elections
53 Thorburn Street South
Cayuga, Ontario
Canada, N0A 1E0

Email Elections
Phone: 905-318-5932