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. 

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Nominations Open: Monday, May 1, 2026

Nominations Close: Friday, August 19, 2026

Election Day: October 26, 2026

Voter Turnout in 2022: 36.1%

 

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. 

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RESOURCES

 

​Register to vote

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​Election 101

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Free Workshop Series 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. 

More information here 

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​The Healthy Democracy Project

Great Resources Here!

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.

https://www.amo.on.ca/healthy-democracy

 

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.

https://electrespect.ca/

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Reference Books

Great reference books available here

A couple of my favorites reference books are:

• Welcome to the Hall - A Practical Guide to Municipal Leaders

• Leading - The Real Value of Mayor and Council

• ​Performative Outrage: How Manufactured Fury Undermines Local Government and Public Service

• (Un)Civil Society: Countering gaslighting, stalking, and other forms of abuse 

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