2026 Municipal Election – Township of Laird

2026 Municipal Election

Election Day

The next municipal election will be held Monday, October 26, 2026.

Residents will elect members of Council and school board trustees for the 2026-2030 term.

Offices to Be Elected

The following offices will be elected at large:

  • Head of Council (1)
  • Councillors (4)

Voters will also elect school board trustees based on their school support designation.

Voter Eligibility

Under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, a person is entitled to vote in the Township of Laird if, on Voting Day, they:

  • Reside in the Township of Laird, or are the owner or tenant of land in the Township, or the spouse of such owner or tenant
  • Are a Canadian citizen
  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Are not prohibited from voting under the Act or any other law

Are You Registered to Vote?

Eligible electors must confirm or update their voter information through the Province of Ontario’s official voter registration platform.

RegisterToVoteON.ca (opens in a new tab)

Electors can confirm their eligibility, update school support, and ensure their information appears correctly on the Voters’ List.

Voting Method

The Township of Laird will continue to use traditional in person, paper ballot voting for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election.

  • Voting Location: Laird Hall, 3 Pumpkin Point Road West, Echo Bay, Ontario
  • Advance Voting: Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Voting Day: Monday, October 26, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Laird Hall is partially accessible. While the building does not have automatic doors, election staff will be available to assist with entry and ensure all electors can access the voting area. Additional support will be provided throughout the voting process for anyone who requires it.

Ballots will be cast on paper and counted manually by election staff.

What to Bring When You Vote

Electors must present one piece of identification that shows both their name and qualifying address.

A full list of acceptable identification is available from the Province of Ontario:

Acceptable documents for voter identification – 2026 Voters’ Guide (opens in a new tab)

Voting by Proxy

If you cannot vote in person, you may appoint another eligible voter in the Township of Laird to vote for you. This person is your proxy.

To appoint a proxy:

  • Fill out two copies of Form 3 – Appointment for Voting Proxy.
  • Sign both originals (no photocopies).
  • Give both signed copies to the person you are appointing.
  • Your proxy must bring the forms to the Clerk’s Office to be certified before voting.

Who can be a proxy:

  • Your proxy must be an eligible voter in Laird.
  • A person may be a proxy for one non-relative, OR for multiple relatives (spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, or sibling).

When you can appoint a proxy:

Proxy forms may be certified by the Clerk during regular office hours, during advance voting hours, and on Voting Day before the proxy votes.

Important Dates

2026 Municipal Election Schedule
Event Date & Time
Nomination Period Opens May 1, 2026
Candidate Information Session June 1, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. (Bruce Station Hall)
Nomination Day – Deadline to File August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Advance Voting Day October 17, 2026 (12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Voting Day October 26, 2026 (10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Declaration of Results October 27, 2026
New Term of Council Begins November 15, 2026
Inaugural Meeting November 19, 2026

Information for Candidates

Thinking of Running for Council?

If you are considering running in the 2026 Municipal Election, the Township of Laird has prepared a complete Nomination Package that includes all required forms, guides, and information.

Nomination Packages are available in person at the Township Office. Candidates are encouraged to call ahead and book an appointment to ensure the Clerk is available to review the package, answer questions, and assist with the nomination process.

If a candidate is unable to attend in person due to exceptional circumstances, they may contact the Clerk to discuss alternative arrangements.

To book an appointment, contact: Clerk Administrator – Jennifer Errington
Phone: 705-248-2395
Email: clerk@lairdtownship.ca

Candidate Information Session

Monday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Bruce Station Hall, 109 Station Road

The session will feature Sarah Cormier from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Municipal Clerks will also be available to answer questions and assist with applications.

Who Can Run for Council?

A person is qualified to be elected or hold office as a member of council if, on the day they file their nomination, they:

  • Are entitled to be an elector under MEA s.17
  • Reside in the municipality, or are 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
  • Are not prohibited from voting or holding office under the Act or any other law
  • Are not disqualified due to financial filing violations or other statutory restrictions

Individuals Not Eligible to Hold Office

  • Municipal employees (unless on unpaid leave beginning the day of nomination and resign if elected)
  • Persons serving a sentence of imprisonment
  • Judges
  • Corporations
  • Members of Parliament, Provincial Parliament, or the Senate
  • Candidates who failed to file required financial statements in the previous municipal election

Submitting a Nomination

Nominations will be accepted beginning Friday, May 1, 2026.

To file a nomination, candidates must:

  • Obtain the official Nomination Package from the Township Office
  • Complete all required forms included in the package
  • Provide acceptable identification
  • Pay the nomination filing fee (cash, debit, cheque, or money order payable to Township of Laird)
    • $200.00 for Head of Council
    • $100.00 for Councillor
    • Fees are refunded upon filing all required financial statements

Note: All nomination forms must be obtained directly from the Township Office as part of the official Nomination Package. Forms downloaded from external websites or third-party sources will not be accepted.

Resources, Forms & Documents

Voter Resources

Candidate Resources

Third Party Advertising Resources

Proxy Voting Resources

Notices & Other Documents