The nomination period for the 2026 municipal election in Burlington, Ontario, officially opened at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026. Residents interested in running for mayor, city councillor, or school board trustee have until 2 p.m. on August 21, 2026, to file their nomination papers.
To qualify as a candidate, individuals must be Canadian citizens who are at least 18 years old. They must also reside in Burlington, or they or their spouse must own or rent property within the city. Those seeking a seat on city council must also obtain endorsements from at least 25 eligible voters.
All nomination papers must be filed in person by appointment at City Hall, located at 426 Brant St. The Office of the City Clerk is accepting filings during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is a $200 filing fee for mayoral candidates and a $100 fee for all other positions. Prospective candidates should be aware that they are not permitted to begin any campaign activities until their nomination papers have been formally filed and approved.
This election will feature new ward boundaries established by the city, marking the first such changes in approximately 20 years. Voters will head to the polls between October 14 and 26, 2026, with the final day of voting occurring on October 26. In addition to municipal roles, candidates are monitoring potential changes at the regional level, as the proposed Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, may move the Halton Region Chair position from an elected role to a provincially appointed one.
More information regarding the election process and requirements can be found through the city’s election portal.
