The City of Kingston is hosting two information sessions for residents interested in running for office in the upcoming municipal election on Monday, October 26, 2026. These events are designed to help potential candidates understand the election process, their responsibilities, and what to expect from the start of their campaign through to voting day.
The first session will be held as a hybrid event on Monday, April 27, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the City of Kingston Hall Council Chamber, located at 216 Ontario St. The second session is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Kingston Frontenac Public Library Calvin Park Branch, located at 88 Wright Cres.
To qualify as a candidate for municipal office, an individual must be at least 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen, and a resident of Kingston. Those who own or rent property in the city, or are married to someone who does, are also eligible to run, provided they are not legally prohibited from voting or disqualified by law. Candidates must pay a nomination fee of $200 to run for mayor or $100 to run for district councillor or school board trustee, and they are required to collect at least 25 endorsement signatures from eligible voters.
Nominations for the municipal election will officially open on Friday, May 1, 2026, and will close at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario is also providing free virtual training programs for those considering a campaign. These workshops are tailored to support first-time candidates, youth, Indigenous peoples, and members of underrepresented communities.
This upcoming election follows the 2022 vote, which saw 44 candidates compete for positions, including mayor, 12 district councillors, and school board trustees. During that election, voter turnout was 30.50%, with 29,938 ballots cast out of 98,173 eligible voters.
