Election 2026 | Cathy Aylard

Election Day is October 26, 2026

Link to the official Town of Erin Municipal Election Page

Candidate Tracker - Who's Running

In addition to the resource above, I have created this Candidate Tracker to help residents easily find information about all declared candidates in one place. By linking publicly available social channels and media coverage, it will give voters a simple, neutral and transparent way to learn more about each candidate and make informed choices in the upcoming election. The voter turnout in the Town of Erin in the last election in 2022 was 36%. We can do better!

Listed in alphabetical order by last name.

MAYOR

Dusty Scott

Facebook - Dusty Scott

Media - Balanced growth a key issue for Mayoral Candidate Dusty Scott

Media - Erin-has-its-first-official-mayoral-candidate

Rob Smith

Facebook - Smith for Mayor

Media - Former Erin Councillor running as mayor

Media - Smith says Erin faces new challenges

COUNCILLORS (4 SEATS)

Sunjay Bedi

John Brennan - for re-election

Facebook - John Brennan for Council

Benita Raponi

Note - Media - Councillor Bridget Ryan not seeking re-election

COUNTY COUNCILLOR

Jeff Duncan - for re-election

UPPER GRAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE

WELLINGTON CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE

Cassandra O'Donnell (Chornoboy)

With the nomination period now open (May 1 to August 20), the building interest in the upcoming election inspires me. I am currently evaluating how I can best serve my community going forward. I am taking time to reflect on where my skills can be most effective and am considering which path aligns with the impact I want to make. I look forward to sharing my plans in a future News Bulletin.

Regardless of my final decision, I am fully committed to encouraging active engagement. I recently introduced a list of resources below that are dedicated to supporting others who are considering running for office. The future of our Town depends on dedicated individuals who are encouraged to lead.

Nominations Open: Monday, May 1, 2026

Nominations Close: Friday, August 21, 2026

All Candidates Debate: October 1, 2026

Election Day: October 26, 2026

Voter Turnout in 2022: 36.1%

Municipal elections in Ontario are held every four years on the fourth Monday in October. All elected officials serve a four-year term, with the next term beginning in November 2026.

The Town of Erin Council is comprised of the Mayor and 4 Councillors. Municipal candidates in Ontario run as independents and do not represent political parties. In the Town of Erin, all members of Council are elected "at large," meaning they represent the entire municipality rather than specific geographic wards.

The Town of Erin is a lower-tier municipality within Wellington County, meaning it is part of a two-tier municipal government system in Ontario. In this system, the lower-tier municipality (The Town of Erin) is responsible for services like local roads and community centers, while the upper-tier municipality (Wellington County) handles services like county roads and social services.

Vote by Mail

Vote-by-Mail (VBM) has been the voting method utilized by the Town since the 2006 municipal election. In this method, a “voting kit” comprised of a declaration form, ballot, secrecy envelope, and pre-paid reply envelope is mailed to all individuals on the Voters’ List. Voters may mark their ballot from anywhere and once completed, mail their reply envelope to the Town using any of Canada Post’s drop off options (e.g., post offices, community mailboxes). Alternatively, voters may also return their ballot using the Town’s own designated secure drop box locations. The phased restructuring of Canada Post will be closely monitored as it relates to the administration of this election.

Candidate Resources

Candidate Information Session - March 25, 2026 - Joint Wellington County Candidate Information Session,
7:00 p.m. Wellington County Museum and Archives - 0536 Wellington Rd 18, Fergus

Municipal Act

If you are considering running for Council, one of the first things to do is develop a general understanding of the Municipal Act.

Who Does What in Wellington County?

There are four levels of government in Wellington County, each with their own set of responsibilities and services.

Ontario's Municipal Councillor Guide

The role of Council, Councillor and Staff

Municipal Campaign School

If you’ve ever thought about running for council, mayor, or school board, this is where to start. The Wellington County Municipal Campaign School helps women and members of equity-seeking groups across the county, learn what it takes to run and win. This is volunteer-run and part of a province-wide network of campaign schools.

AMO - Workshops for First Time Aspiring Candidates and Leaders Seeking Re-election

AMO's (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) new online workshop series for leaders seeking re-election or first-time aspiring candidates - offered at no charge for participants.

AMO - Lead Where You LIve

AMO’s (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) comprehensive guide for anyone considering running in the 2026 municipal election. This resource walks you through what municipal councils do, what it means to serve your community, and the steps involved in launching a successful campaign. Whether you’re exploring the idea or preparing to file your nomination, this guide provides practical information, tools, and insights to support your journey.

AMO - Leading with Respect

AMO’s (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) Leading with Respect Handguides provide practical, accessible resources for councils and staff to navigate conflict and build a culture of civility in their workplaces. The Handguides can help to strengthen good governance and community engagement: municipalities can set standards, protect people, and foster cultures of respect within their own institutions

AMO - New Councillor Training

AMO will help you step into local municipal leadership with the confidence. AMO is joining forces with public sector education experts Institute on Governance to offer a comprehensive, industry-leading program that will walk you through the first year of council, connect you with like-minded peers, and help you develop and hone the skills you need to survive and thrive in your exciting new leadership role. Stay tuned for more information.

The Healthy Democracy Project

The Healthy Democracy Project will promote the value and importance of municipal governments in Ontario's political system, while focusing on the importance of diversity of leadership and perspectives.

Elect Respect

Harassment and abuse are undermining our democracy. Together, we can rebuild a culture where everyone, candidates, elected officials, and the public, can participate in democracy free from fear or intimidation.

Elect Her Now

electHER Now is a group of women working hard to achieve sustainable gender balance of elected municipal officials.

FCM - Federation of Canadian Municipalities - A Guide for Women Candidates

Equal Voice

Equal Voice is a registered, multi-partisan charity dedicated to improving gender representation in Canadian politics through education, training, research, critical network building, and leadership development.

Podcasts - Cross Border Network

Podcasts with municipal leaders across Canada.

Reference Books

Great reference books available here

A few of my favorites reference books are: