2026 Municipal and School Board Elections

Who can vote?

A person is entitled to be an elector in the Municipal and School Board Election if, on Voting Day, they,

• reside in the local municipality or is the owner or tenant of land there, or the spouse of such owner or tenant;
• are a Canadian citizen;
• are at least 18 years old; and
• are not prohibited from voting.

Who cannot vote?

The following people or entities are prohibited from voting:

• A person who is serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institution.
• A corporation.
• A person acting as executor or trustee or in any other representative capacity, except as a voting proxy.
• 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. 

Loyalist Township Offices to be Elected 

• Mayor to be elected at large 
• Deputy Mayor to be elected at large
• One Councillor for Ward Ward 1 to be elected by ward 
• One Councillor for Ward 2 to be elected by ward
• Three Councillors for Ward 3 to be elected by ward

Pending Loyalist Ward Boundary Changes

Loyalist Township undertook a Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review. The purpose of the ward boundary review was to review the existing electoral arrangements to develop an effective and equitable system of representation. Council composition, options for how Council representatives are elected, existing ward boundaries, and whether residents have equitable access to their elected representatives were reviewed under this project.

Currently, Loyalist Township’s Council comprises seven members, including the mayor (elected at-large), deputy mayor (elected at-large), and five councillors, elected in three wards. The ward boundaries follow the original borders of Amherst Island Township, Ernestown Township, and the Village of Bath prior to amalgamation in 1998 to form Loyalist Township. 

At the May 13, 2025 meeting, Loyalist Council enacted a By-law 2025-39 to establish a new ward boundary configuration in Loyalist Township. With the changes to the ward configuration, Loyalist Township would be divided into five wards. Council would be comprised of seven members, including the mayor (elected at-large), deputy mayor (elected at-large), and five councillors elected by Ward (one from each of the five wards).

The new ward configuration is being appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and until the appeal is withdraw or dismissed, or until the OLT makes an order affirming, amending or repealing the by-law, there are no changes to the existing Council composition or ward boundaries.

Follow the case: Ward Boundary Review | Engage Loyalist

Voting Methods

On August 12, Council enacted a by-law to authorize the use of internet and telephone only. Electors will be able to cast their ballot online from anywhere, anytime using a computer, tablet or smartphone! This is a safe, secure, environmentally friendly and contactless method of alternative voting. Voter help centers will be available during the Voting Period. There are no paper ballots! More details to become available soon.

Key dates

• May 1, 2026: First day candidates can file nomination papers and first day third party advertisers can register.
• August 21, 2026: Last day candidates can file nomination papers, by 2:00 p.m.
• October 23, 2026: Last day third party advertisers can register.
• October 26, 2026: Voting Day
• November 15, 2026: New term of Council commences

Resources

• Municipal Elections Act

Need more information?

If you have questions or require more information, please contact:
Clerk's Division
(613) 386-7351
Contact by email at clerk@loyalist.ca