Election 2026

MPAC AND SCHOOL SUPPORT

MPAC and School Support

MPAC (the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) is reminding Ontario residents to update their school support designation by June 1, 2026. This ensures MPAC can provide the correct information to Elections Ontario in time to be accurately included on the Preliminary List of Electors ahead of the municipal and school board elections on October 26, 2026.

Municipal staff play an important role in helping residents and raising awareness of this process. To make local outreach easier, MPAC has created a School Support Designation toolkit (in English and French). It features newsletter, website, and social media content, downloadable graphics, and frequently asked questions (FAQs). Additional information and FAQs are also available on MPAC’s School Support Designation page to help guide residents and address common questions.

Please note: While MPAC encourages updates to be made prior to June 1 so they can be included in the PLE, voters will still be able to apply to MPAC to change their school support after June 1.

2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION PROCEDURES

NOTICE OF NOMINATION FOR OFFICE- MAYOR & COUNCILLOR

NOTICE OF NOMINATION FOR OFFICE- SCHOOL BOARD

WHO CAN VOTE

WHO CAN VOTE:

QUALIFICATIONS

A person is entitled to be an elector at an election held in a local municipality (unless prohibited by the Municipal Elections Act - MEA or any other Act) if, on Voting Day (Monday, October 26, 2026), they:

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

RESIDENCE

A person's residence is the permanent lodging place to which, whenever absent, they intend to return.

The following rules apply in determining a person's residence:

A person may only have one residence at a time;
The place where a person's family resides is also their residence, unless they move elsewhere with the intention of changing their permanent lodging place;
If a person has no other permanent lodging place, the place where they occupy a room or part of a room as a regular lodger to which they habitually returns is their residence.

RESIDENT ELECTOR (VOTER)

A resident elector is where a person lives, and is eligible to vote in that municipality's election. A person is only allowed to have one residence.

Non-Resident Elector (Seasonal Resident)

If a person lives in one municipality, but owns or rents property in another municipality, then they are a non-resident elector and able to vote in that municipality's election.

Spouse of Non-Resident Elector

If a person lives in one municipality, and qualifies as a spouse of a non-resident elector, then they are able to vote in that municipality's election.

HOMELESS PERSON

Persons without a permanent residence may also qualify to be added to the Voters' List during the revision period by submitting an application to the Clerk. If a person has no permanent residence or lodging place, the following rules apply in determining his or her residence:

The place to which the person most frequently returned to sleep or eat during the five weeks preceding the determination is their residence.
If the person returns with equal frequency to one place to sleep and to another to eat, the place to which they return to sleep is their residence.
Multiple returns to the same place during a single day.
A person's affidavit regarding the places to which they returned to eat or sleep during a given time period is conclusive, in the absence of evidence to the contrary.

STUDENTS

A person may have residences in two local municipalities at the same time if the person lives in one of the local municipalities in order to attend an education institution, but not with the intention of changing their permanent lodging place, and the person's permanent lodging place is in the other local municipality.

This means that students are able to vote in the municipality where they attend school and also in the municipality where they live.

ELECTORAL STATUS FOR SCHOOL BOARDS

The English Public School Board is the default for a voter unless they are qualified to be a separate or French school board supporter.

'Supporter' means which school board the school portion of the property taxes goes to.

Your status for school board election purposes is shown on the Voters' List. A voter may apply to correct their school board support as noted on the Voters' List during the revision period (Tuesday, September 1, 2026 up to and including Voting Day, Monday October 26, 2026). Qualifications and definitions of the categories of school electors are found in the Education Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms:

Voters must be Roman Catholic and be otherwise qualified as electors to be separate school electors. Voters must have French Language Education Rights to be supporters for French language school board.

Non-resident owners or tenants, or spouses of owners or tenants of commercially and industrially assessed lands are not eligible to vote for school board purposes.

PROXY VOTING

If you are an eligible elector, you may appoint another person to vote on your behalf. This person is known as a “Proxy” voter. This person must be a qualified elector and someone you trust (the voters' list will be checked for this purpose). You cannot appoint more than one voting proxy or act as a voting proxy for more than one other person. However, this restriction does not apply if the proxy and the other person are spouses or siblings of each other, parent and child, or grandparent and grandchild.

Commencing on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, you may obtain a Form 3 - Appointment of Voting Proxy at the Township Office during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. up until October 26 at 4:00 p.m.

Box A on the form will be completed at the time you obtain the proxy certificate from the Municipal Clerk. The person you appoint as a proxy must then bring in the proxy certificate with your signature on it, show proof of their identity, and have it certified by the Municipal Clerk at the Township.

Please note that Election Officials at the voting station will not accept uncertified, faxed or photocopied proxy certificates at the voting place.

The following rules apply to the issuance of Proxy Certificates:

Proxy forms and decisions will not be made before than September 2, 2026.
Only original signatures will be accepted on the proxy forms.
The name of the person appointed as the voting proxy must be filled in on the form at the time it is signed by the elector who is appointing the proxy.
The proxy certificate must be completed at the Office of the Municipal Clerk where the elector appointed will take the declaration.
The proxy certificate will be officially certified by the Municipal Clerk or designate.
The Register of Proxy Appointments will be completed at the time when the form is brought to the Office of the Municipal Clerk - The proxy certificate is a public document and may be inspected by any person during the election process.
The appointment does not remain in effect after Voting Day.

HOW TO VOTE

PAPER BALLOTS

Eligible voters may vote in person on Election Day (October 26, 2026) at the Virginiatown Community Centre (see below for details).

As a convenience, eligible voters may vote in person during Advance Poll (see below for details).

POLLING STATION LOCATIONS

Advanced Voting (Advanced Poll)
Virginiatown Community Centre
Address: 1-27th Street Virginiatown, ON Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Voting Day (Election Day)
Virginiatown Community Centre
Address: 1-27th Street, Virginiatown, ON Date: Monday, October 26, 2026 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

ACCESSIBLE VOTING

The Township of McGarry is committed to ensuring that all qualified electors have the opportunity to vote.

The Returning Officer (Municipal Clerk) is required to prepare a plan regarding the identification, removal, and prevention of barriers that affect electors and candidates with disabilities and make the plan available to the public in advance of the voting period.

View the Township Accessible Election Plan. (To Follow)

The Municipal Clerk is also required to provide a follow-up report to the public within 90 days after the election.

View the Township Post-Election Council Report (will be uploaded in January 2027)

All questions related to accessibility and the municipal elections should directed to the Municipal Clerk's Office.

2026 FINANCIAL STATEMENT

PRE-REQUIREMENT FOR ALL CANDIDATES TO FILE

Every candidate for an election (including any candidate who withdraws their nomination) and every registered third party advertiser is required to file a campaign financial statement and where required, an Auditor's Report disclosing all contributions and expenses for their campaigns.

The deadline to file Financial Statements will be Tuesday, March 30, 2027 by 2:00 p.m.

Default Penalties

As per the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 s.88.23(2), any candidate who does not file a financial statement by the March 30, 2027 deadline is in default and subject to the following penalties:

the candidate forfeits any office to which he or she was elected and the office is deemed to be vacant; and
until the next regular election has taken place, the candidate is ineligible to be elected or appointed to any office to which this Act applies.

Disclaimer - Content Validity & Accessibility

Financial Statements are prepared by candidates. Municipal staff do not verify or amend the information contained in the Statements.

CANDIDATES FILLING

Upon filing, the Municipal Clerk will upload Financial Statements from all Municipal Candidates and Registered Third Parties below:

Candidate Name	Office	Candidate Financial Statement - Auditor's Report

2022 - financial statements - CANDIDATES IN DEFAULT FILING

The following former candidates were in default of filing their Financial Statement as at March 31, 2023:

Year of Default	Name of Candidate
2022	Wendy Weller Matti Reimer

COMPLIANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The municipalities within the Timiskaming District, including the municipality of Temagami have established a Joint Compliance Audit Committee.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COMMITTEE

The Timiskaming District Joint Compliance Audit Committee (TDCAC) is established pursuant to Section 88.37 of the Municipal Elections Act and pursuant their Terms of Reference as established by the Township of McGarry and approved by all member municipalities, to deal with the matters provided for in Sections 88.33, 88.34, 88.35, and 88.36 of the Municipal Elections Act.

The TDCAC receives and makes decisions on applications for compliance audits of candidates' and registered third parties' 2026 municipal election campaign finances and any by-election campaign finances during the 2026-2030 Council Term.

The Committee is also responsible for reviewing reports submitted by the Clerk with respect to any contributor who appears to have contravened any of the contribution limits to a candidates' or registered third parties' election campaign.

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION & MEMBERSHIP

The Timiskaming District Joint Compliance Audit Committee (TDCAC) is comprised of three (3) voting members of the public and two (2) additional alternate members as follows:

Alvin Willard
Robert Norris
Heather Sandrin
Chris Wray (Alternate Member)
Don Studholme (Alternate Member)

QUALIFICATIONS, TERMS & RENUMERATION

The TDCAC was established prior to October 1, 2026, and commences their Term on November 15, 2026 through to November 14, 2030 which includes any by-elections within this Term.

Members receive a mandatory training session and any preparation/review required. If called to investigate, a per-meeting remuneration of $150 plus mileage, if required, is provided.

RESOURCES

2026-2030 Terms of Reference
2026-2030 Appointed Members

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

OFFICE FOR ELECTIONS IN 2026

Mayor - 1
Councillors - 4

KEY DATE - NOMINATIONS

Nomination Period:

Nomination papers can be filed BY APPOINTMENT ONLY with the Municipal Clerk (or designate) during regular municipal office hours being 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding Statutory holidays.

Nomination Day: Friday, August 21, 2026
On Nomination Day, nomination papers can be filed BY APPOINTMENT ONLY with the Municipal Clerk (or designate) between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 pm SHARP

IMPORTANT - NOMINATIONS FILING

To run for the office of Mayor or Councillor a person must file a nomination paper and provide proof of qualifying address within the Township of McGarry or the school board jurisdiction and the appropriate filing fee.

Note: The nomination paper must have original signatures.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - CAMPAIGNS

Campaigning must not commence until a candidate files their nomination papers with the Clerk.

Until a nomination paper is filed, a person cannot raise or spend any money on their campaign. Between now and the time a person files for office, this is what this means:

What you can do:

Publicly announce your intent to run.
Talk to family, friends, community groups, and stakeholders about your potential candidacy.
Build awareness through personal conversations, media interviews, and social media posts.
Recruit volunteers, advisors, and team members (unpaid).
Develop campaign strategies, platforms, and branding ideas.

WHAT YOU CANNOT DO:

Spend or raise money for campaign purposes (which includes your money, someone else’s money for the purchase of anything related to your campaign, including election signs).
Distribute or display election signs.
Advertise or promote your candidacy in a way that involves campaign funding.

FILING YOUR NOMINATION

Nominations open Friday, May 1, 2026
Deadline: Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Nomination forms must be filed by appointment with the Clerk at the Township Office during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ).
Nomination fees:

Mayor: $200.00
Councillor: $100.00

Payments accepted: cash, debit, certified cheque or money order payable to the Township of McGarry or by an electronic method of payment that the Clerk specifies.

CAMPAIGNING AND EXPENSES

You may begin campaigning after filing your nomination
Candidates must track all campaign expenses and file a financial statement by March 30, 2027
The campaign period ends December 31, 2026 (extension may be requested to cover a deficit)

WITHDRAWING A NOMINATION

Last day to withdraw: Friday, August 21, 2026 (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
File a Withdrawal Form with the Clerk at the Township Office
Identification and financial statements must still be submitted

CANDIDATES EDUCATION, TRAINING & RESOURCES

For more information, please check out the 2026 Candidates' Guide prepared by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

TOWNSHIP OF MCGARRY MUNICIPAL ELECTION 2026
MONDAY OCTOBER 26, 2026

QUALIFICATIONS:

You qualify to be elected or hold office if...

As of the day you file your nomination you're:

Entitled to be an elector under Municipal Elections Act (s.17)
Are a Canadian citizen;
Are at least 18 years of age;
Reside in the local municipality, or is the owner or tenant of land in the local municipality, or the spouse of such a person;
Are not prohibited from voting as noted or otherwise, by law;
Not disqualified for violation of financial requirements or violations of requirements for filing financial information;
Not disqualified by any Act from holding such office; and
Not disqualified under the provisions as outlined in MEA s.90(2) and 91(1).

DISQUALIFIED PERSONS - cOUNCIL

The following persons are disqualified for Mayoral or Councillor candidacy:

Except in accordance with MEA, s.30 (Leave of Absence), an employee of the municipality or a person who is not an employee of the municipality, but who is the Clerk, Treasurer, Integrity Commissioner, Auditor General, Ombudsman or registrar referred to in s.223.11 of the Municipal Act or an investigator referred to in s.239.2(1) of the municipality or a person who is not an employee of the municipality, but who holds any administrative position of the municipality.
A judge of any court.
A Senator, a Member of Parliament, a Member of Provincial Parliament.
A person who is serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institution, including a sentence being served in the evening or on weekends (this does not include a person serving a sentence at home).
A corporation.
A person acting as executor or trustee or in any other representative capacity.
A person who was convicted of the corrupt practices described in MEA, s.90(3) if Voting Day in the current election is less than 5 years after Voting Day in the election in respect of which he or she was convicted.
A person disqualified for violations of financial requirements or violations of requirements for filing financial information.

FORMS FOR VOTER

FOR CANDIDATES

Nomination Form (PR Form 1)
Appointment of an Agent to File a Nomination (TD Form 20)
Financial Statement - Auditor's Report Candidate (PR Form 4)
Appointment of Scrutineer by Candidate (Form TD22)

NOMINATIONS PAPERS TIMELINES, FILING & FEES

A person can only become a candidate during the Nomination Period. The Nomination Period starts on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and ends on Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Nomination papers will not be accepted after the deadline.

Nomination papers must be signed by the candidate and filed in person or by an agent (no fax or email). Potential candidates must make an appointment with the Municipal Clerk to ensure availability to receive the nomination. Please call 705-634.2145 Ext. 223 or email kpelletier@mcgarry.ca to make an appointment to file your nomination paper.

Nominations must be filed by appointment at the Municipal Office during the following periods:

Friday, May 1, 2026 through to Thursday, August 20, 2026 during regular business hours (except holidays) between 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and between 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday, August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day) between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. On Nomination Day, candidates must make their presence known to the Municipal Clerk prior to 2:00 p.m. SHARP. Nomination papers will not be accepted after the deadline.

Nominations may be made by completing and filing nominations on the prescribed form(s) and accompanied by the Declaration of Qualification in the Municipal Clerk's Office, including acceptable identification (must be valid and contain the candidate's name, qualifying address and signature), the prescribed nomination filing fee ($200.00 for the office of Mayor, $100.00 for all other offices), and such other documentation as required for the filing process. The filing fee is payable by cash, debit, certified cheque or money order payable to the Township of McGarry or by an electronic method of payment that the Clerk specifies.

If, after having filed a nomination form, a candidate wishes to file a nomination for a different office in the same election, the first nomination shall be deemed to have been withdrawn at the time the second nomination is filed. The filing fee is deemed to have been paid with the latest filing if the two nominations are for the same council/board unless changing offices.

If a greater number of candidates are certified than are required to fill the said office, there will be an election. If the number of nominations for an office is less than the number of candidates to be elected an additional Notice of Nomination will be advertised on the website only and additional nominations may be filed between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on the Wednesday following Nomination Day (August 26, 2026).

TIMELINES

The nomination period commences on May 1, 2026 for the 2026 Municipal until Nomination Day - August 21, 2026.

FILING FEES

The filing fee must accompany the nomination. The prescribed nomination fee is $200.00 for the head of council (Mayor) and $100.00 for all other offices. The filing fee is payable by cash, debit, certified cheque or money order payable to the Township of McGarry or by an electronic method of payment that the Clerk specifies.

A candidate is entitled to receive a refund of the nomination filing fee if they file the documents under s.88.25(1) - the Financial Statements and Auditors Report (if applicable), on or before 2:00 p.m. on the filing date. In the case of the 2026 regular election, the filing date is Tuesday, March 30, 2027 for the reporting period ending December 31, 2026.

Lead Where You Live: AMO’s Guide to Running for Municipal Election

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) understands there are many moving parts and things to know when it comes to running for municipal council.

With the October 2026 election in mind, AMO has assembled an easy-to-use guide that provides all the information you need when preparing to run for council. What you will find in AMO’s guide are important considerations on managing your campaign like:

2026 municipal election key dates
What you can expect once you step into the spotlight
Important considerations on campaign finances
Campaign rules; and
Election day and alternative voting

Although the Lead Where You Live guide doesn’t get into the ins and outs of council and council meetings, it does highlight things you will want to get familiar with during your campaign so you are prepared should you be elected.

After the election, AMO will be providing a range of training and resources to help incoming Councillors navigate the ins and outs of Council meetings, legislation, staff-council relationships, conflict of interest and so much more.

This new and refreshed guide replaces AMO’s 'So You Are Thinking of Running for Council'.

Get your copy of Lead Where You Live here.

REGISTRATION

The next Municipal and School Board Election will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026!

REGISTER TO VOTE!

Voters' List and how to update your information

Elections Ontario maintains the Permanent Register of Electors for Ontario, commonly known as the Register or Voters' List. This list includes individuals who are eligible to vote in provincial and municipal elections across Ontario.

You can use Elections Ontario’s Voter Registration application to confirm, update, or add your information if you:

Have changed your name or address
Own or rent a new property
No longer own or rent a property
Want to remove your information from the Register

NEW! Future Voter Registration

The Ontario Register of Future Voters allows eligible 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register so they are automatically added to the Voters' List when they turn 18. Visit RegisterToVoteON.ca to learn more about eligibility, identification requirements, and how to register as a future voter.

Updating Your School Support

As of January 1, 2024, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is no longer responsible for collecting voter information for municipal elections, however, MPAC continues to collect school support information for use in school board elections.

Property owners in Ontario must designate support for a school system, even if they do not have children or if their children do not currently attend school. This designation appears on your Property Assessment Notice.

You can update your school support designation through MPAC’s Online School Support Tool.

Changes for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election must be submitted before June 1, 2026.

To learn more about school support, visit MPAC's website.

VOTING IN MULTIPLE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

If you or your spouse own or rent property in a municipality other than your primary residence, you may be eligible to vote in more than one municipal election.

For more information on updating your voter registration, removing a deceased person from the Register, or joining the Register of Future Voters, visit Elections Ontario's website.

STUDENT S AND VOTING REGISTRATION

Students attending school away from home may be eligible to vote in multiple municipalities. If a student’s permanent residence and temporary student home are in different municipalities or a Territory Without Municipal Organization (TWMO) area, they can update or add their "home address" as their permanent family residence and list their student home as an additional property they, or their spouse, own or rent.

Voters' List (Preliminary List of Electors - PLE)

The preliminary list of all electors (PLE) is available in the Municipal Clerk’s Office as of Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Candidates may request a list of names and municipal addresses/legal descriptions of land of qualifying electors on the Voters' List for election purposes only.

Electors should confirm that their names and relevant information (including school board support) is correct.

On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, applications for additions or corrections or deletions from the list may be made by completing and filing a revision form at the Municipal Clerk's Office at the Township. This can also be done at the Advance Poll and on Voting Day. All applications for revision must be in the designated form, properly completed and signed. Acceptable photo-identification from the prescribed listing and proof of qualifying address will be required.

The last day for filing concerning additions, corrections or deletions is Monday, October 26, 2026.

RESOURCES

For more information about Municipal Elections review the information below.

Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25
Municipal Elections Act, 1996
Education Act, 1990
Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Section 23
Municipal Election Resource - Association of Ontario Municipalities (AMO)
Healthy Democracy Campaign "If You Believe, They Believe" Resources - AMO
Lead Where You Live: A guide on running for municipal council - AMO
Corridor Signage Policy - Ministry of Transportation (MTO)
General Guideline of Election Signs - MTO

Voters' Guide - Council & School Board Elections - Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH)

Candidate's Guide - Council & School Board Elections - MMAH

Third Party Advertiser's Guide - Council & School Board Elections - MMAH

Elections Signs By-Law - Township of McGarry
Use of Corporate Resources for Elections Purposes Policy - Township of McGarry
Council and Certain Local Boards Code of Conduct -Township of McGarry
Municipal Election Accessibility Plan - Township of McGarry (To Follow)
Municipal Election Policies & Procedures - Township of McGarry (To Follow)
Voter - ID Requirements [Form TD40]

THIRD PARTIES ADVERTISERS

Key Date

Registration Period: between May 1, 2026 and October 23, 2026

Contact the Municipal Clerk to arrange to file your Notice of Registration Form during this period. Click on the "How to Register" box below for more information.

If a person, corporation or trade union intends to spend money between May 1, 2026 and Voting Day (October 26, 2026), on advertisements or other materials that support, promote or oppose a candidate in the Municipal Election they are required to register as a Third Party Advertiser with the Municipal Clerk.

UNCERTIFED CANDIDATES

By 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, the Municipal Clerk shall make available the following:

TD05 Official List of Certified Candidates
TD06 Notice of Additional Nominations (if necessary only)
EL20 Declaration of Acclamation to Office

*If the call for Nomination is extended, the Municipal Clerk has until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026 to certify candidates and identify any acclamations of office.

list of certified candidates

Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended, S. 11 (4)2

That during the period commencing May 1, 2026 and completed on Nomination Day, August 21, 2026, the following persons filed all necessary papers, declarations and fees. As Municipal Clerk, I am satisfied that such person(s) are qualified and that their Nominations satisfy the requirements of the Municipal Act, 1996, as amended. I have, therefore, certified such candidates for office which follows their respective name:

mayor

Name of Candidate (in alphabetical order)	Qualifying Address

councillor

Name of Candidate (in alphabetical order)	Qualifying Address

VOTER ID

identification (id) is needed when you go to vote

You only need to have 1 acceptable piece of ID.

Your ID must be either an original, certified or notarial copy and show your name and qualifying address.

Since the adoption of Ontario Regulation 304/13, the following is the only list of acceptable identification (ID) that is required in order to have your identity verified.

Remember to bring 1 piece of ID showing your name and qualifying address in the Township of McGarry.

If you don't have acceptable I.D. you will be asked to come back to the polling station with one prior to receiving a ballot.

Types of acceptable identification showing name and Township of McGarry address:

Ontario issued photo card, driver’s license or motor vehicle permit (vehicle portion).
Cancelled personalized cheque, credit card or bank account statement.
Utility bill for hydro, telephone or cable TV, water, gas or a bill from a public utilities commission.
Cheque stub, T4 statement or pay receipt issued by an employer.
Statement of direct deposit for Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program.
Property tax assessment, income tax assessment notice, Child Tax Benefit statement.
Mortgage statement, lease or rental agreement.
Transcript or report card from a post-secondary school.
Document showing campus residence, issued by the office or officials responsible for student residence at a post-secondary institution.
Any other document from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or a document issued or certified by a court in Ontario.
Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada).
Insurance policy or insurance statement.
Loan agreement or other financial agreement with a financial institution.
Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E.
Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS), Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P), Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions.
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007.
CNIB card or a card from another registered charitable organization that provides services to persons with disabilities.
Document showing residence at a long-term care home under the Fixing Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2021, as amended, issued by the Administrator for the home.
Hospital card or record.

If you are a person on the voters' list but do not have proof of identity and proof of residence you will be required to complete a Declaration of Identity (Form 9) at a voting location prior to voting.

Declaration_of_Identity_Form_9_English.pdf

VOTER INFORMATION

Paper Ballot Voting

The voting method for the 2026 McGarry Township Municipal Election will be paper ballots.

Why Vote

The community is shaped by the outcome of an election. Every Canadian citizen has the right to vote. It is how Canadians choose which leaders represent them. Voting is a responsibility that all Canadians should exercise. Voting connects citizens with the political process and with each other. When you take part in an election and express your view, you make democracy work.

In the next municipal election in the Township of McGarry eligible citizens will vote to elect their Mayor and Councillors.

Voting for a Mayor and Councillors gives you a say in the direction the Township of McGarry will take. This includes changes and additions to services that impact the people of the Township of McGarry daily, such as infrastructure, parks, recreation programs, by-law services, and more.

Please monitor our website as we continue to post information regarding the 2026 Municipal Election. If you have any questions, please contact the municipal office at 705-634-2145 Ext. 223, or by email at kpelletier@mcgarry.ca .

AMO EDUCATION

Get Ready for the 2026 Municipal Elections

Free Workshop Series & Leadership Programs from AMO

As Ontario approaches the October 2026 municipal elections, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a number of information sessions and workshops designed to support aspiring candidates and current elected officials.

Whether you’re planning your first campaign, preparing to seek re-election, representing an underrepresented community, or stepping forward as a young candidate, we offer programming designed to meet your specific needs and support your journey.

Find the right workshop for you

Coming soon: workshops tailored to Indigenous individuals seeking municipal election.

Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities

In four inspiring sessions, this online program will equip you with the tools, resilience, and confidence to meet today’s political challenges head-on. The series is offered in two dedicated streams: Considering Re-Election in 2026 and First-Time Candidates for 2026.

Sessions lead participants through Finding Your Why; Managing Conflict and Building Effective Relationships; Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellbeing; and Building Your Movement: Turning Values into Action

For full details, click here.

Workshops for Underrepresented Candidates

Facilitated by former municipally elected officials, this workshop offers useful insights and strategies especially for underrepresented communities. While these workshops do offer a focus on individuals from underrepresented communities, all are welcome.
Participants will learn what it takes to become a candidate, critical strategies for a successful campaign, developing effective messaging, and how to utilize community engagement practices to enhance visibility and support.

For full details, click here.

Youth Information Sessions

Facilitated by currently elected officials, these sessions will provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and confidence around how to become a candidate and run a campaign.

Gain insight into what it’s like to run for office as a young person, explore key strategies for building a successful campaign, understand the requirements to become a candidate, and learn effective approaches to voter engagement.

For full details, click here.

How to Register

All programs are offered at no charge. Registration is required for each workshop or session.

For more information or to register, please visit the AMO Education website or contact: events@amo.on.ca.

Invest in Your Leadership Journey: Register Today!
This workshop series is part of AMO’s Healthy Democracy Project