2026 Municipal election

The Town of Deseronto will offer Telephone Voting, Internet Voting, and traditional(paper ballots) in-person voting for the 2026 Municipal Election.

Voting Day is Monday, October 26, 2026, with in-person voting taking place at the Deseronto Community Centre (51 Mechanic Street, Deseronto).

The Telephone and Internet Voting Period will run from 9:00 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026. During this time, eligible voters may cast their ballot by telephone or online using the PIN provided in their Voter Information Letter, which will be mailed in advance of the voting period.

For added security, voters will also be required to enter their date of birth when accessing the voting system.

In-person voting will be available on Election Day (Monday, October 26, 2026) from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Deseronto Community Centre.

A Voter Help Centre will be available at Deseronto Town Hall to assist voters. If you require assistance, please bring your Voter Information Letter with you.

If you do not receive a Voter Information Letter, you can still vote by having your name added to the Voters’ List. You will need to complete the required form and provide appropriate identification.

Candidates

Candidates may run for Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Councillor, or for School Board Trustee for one of the four area school boards.

If you want to run for municipal office, you need to meet certain requirements. See who can and can't be a candidate, and how to file. 

Who can run for office

To qualify as a candidate, you must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen

  • Be at least 18 years old

  • Live in Deseronto, or own or rent property in Deseronto (or be married to someone who does)

  • Not prevented from voting by any law

Who can't run for office

The following are not eligible to be candidates in the municipal election:

  • A municipal employee, unless they take an unpaid leave starting the day they are nominated, and resign if they are elected. The employee must give the Clerk proof of their leave and its start date when filing their nomination.

  • A judge of any court

  • A member of the provincial legislature, Senate, or House of Commons

  • Someone serving a prison sentence

  • Someone who is no longer a Canadian citizen

  • Someone who doesn't live in Deseronto, doesn't own or rent property there, and isn't married to someone who does

  • Someone who isn't allowed to vote under the law

  • A candidate in a previous election who did not file the required campaign expense documents, did not pay to the clerk a surplus from a previous campaign, or exceeded allowable expenses.

File your nomination

Here's how to file your nomination papers:

  • You have to fill out an official nomination form. You can't raise or spend any campaign money until you've filed it.

  • You can file your nomination between 8:30 a.m.and 4:30 p.m. at the Elections Office at Town Hall between Friday, May 1, 2026 and Friday, Aug. 21, 2026

  • On Nomination Day (Friday, Aug. 21, 2026), you can file your papers at the Election Office from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • You or your agent must file the nomination papers in person and show ID.

  • When filing your nomination, you must:

  • You are responsible for making sure your nomination form is complete and accurate. Do not sign any forms before filing your nomination.

  • The Town Clerk has to approve all nominations.

  • You can withdraw your nomination papers in writing before 2 p.m. on Nomination Day (Friday, Aug. 21).

Note: You'll get your nomination fee back if you file your campaign financial statement on time. Nomination papers are public - anyone can view them at the Election Office.

Withdraw your nomination

Here's how to withdraw your nomination papers:

  • Withdraw your nomination papers in writing before 2 p.m. on Nomination Day (Friday, Aug. 21, 2026)

  • Submit your withdrawal of nomination papers in person. You might need to show ID.

Campaign donations and expenses

There are specific rules for candidates regarding donations and expenses. 

After filing their nomination paperwork, candidates will receive information from the Elections Office outlining the maximum amounts they may donate to their own campaign and the maximum amount they may receive from eligible donors.

Candidates will also receive information and forms regarding financial statements that must be filed at the end of the campaign period. 

More information on campaign finances can be found in the Municipal Elections Act and the 2026 Candidates' Guide. 

 
 

how many positions are elected and how often?

Municipal Elections are held every four years in Accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001. The Town of Deseronto elects a Mayor, Deputy Mayor, three (3) Councillors and School Board Trustees in English-Public, French-Public, English-Separate and French Separate School boards at large..

The Mayor Elect is appointed to the Hastings County Council which is represented by all 14 lower-tier municipalities in Hastings County.

The 2026 municipal election is on October 26, 2026.

Returning Officer

Gail Maracle, Clerk

331 Main Street

Deseronto, Ontario

Email: gmaracle@deseronto.ca

Phone: 613-396-2440 Ext 202

Important forms