Want to run for elected office? Here are some things to know

•  You must be at least 18 years old.  

• You must be a Canadian citizen.  

• You must be eligible to vote in the municipal election.  

• You must not be disqualified from holding municipal office.  

• The earliest you can file as a candidate is Friday, May 1, 2026. This is when the ‘nomination period’ starts.  

• In Gravenhurst, you can run as a candidate for mayor, one of the three District of Muskoka councillor positions, or for one of the five Town of Gravenhurst ward councillor positions. You can also run as a candidate for school board trustee.  

• The deadline to file – known as ‘nomination day’ – is Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at 2 p.m.  

• Please book an appointment to file your papers. To book an appointment, use the online booking form or call 705-687-3412 ext. 2242.  

• The filing fee is $200 for mayoral candidates and $100 for other positions. 

• Complete your nomination paperwork including collecting the required 25 nomination signatures. These forms are located on the election website. 

 What is the role of a councillor?  

• Gravenhurst council members participate in council meetings several times a month in the council chambers at the municipal office.  

• Council members also sit on various municipal committees that meet in the council chambers.  

• District of Muskoka council, for people considering a district role, meets once a month.  

• District council members also serve on committees.  

• Council members and school board trustees participate in setting policy and budgets. They are not involved in staff level day-to-day operations.  

• Council members set direction by voting at the council table.  

• Council members represent residents in the community.  

• Successful candidates will receive a full orientation on their new roles and responsibilities.  

• The Term of Office is four years and starts on Nov. 15, 2026.  

Election day is Oct. 26, 2026 with voters casting their vote through the telephone or internet.  

For more election information, check out the Gravenhurst Votes page on the town website.  

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For more information, contact:  

Mike Gennings
Manager of Communications and Engagement
mike.gennings@gravenhurst.ca
705-687-3412, ext. 2239