Port Colborne Votes - Municipal Elections 2026

 How can I vote?

By Mail

• Vote-by-mail ballots must be requested using the registration form between September 1^st and September 25^th, 2026.
  • After your registration form is processed, your Vote-by-Mail on Demand kit will be mailed to your address or available for pickup at City Hall.

In-person on Advanced Voting Days (October 2^nd, 3^rd, and 14^th)

• Advanced Voting will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Vale Health and Wellness Centre on October 2^nd, 3^rd, and 14^th. The Vale Health and Wellness Centre is located at 550 Elizabeth Street in Port Colborne.

In-person on Election Day (Monday, October 26^th, 2026)

• Your Voter Information Letter will provide the address of 2 voting locations depending on where you live. You have the choice of voting at either voting location on October 26^th. Voter Information Letters will be mailed out in mid September. 

Am I eligible to vote?

You are eligible to vote in the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election if:

• you are a Canadian citizen;
• you are aged 18 or older; and
• you qualify to vote in the municipality

There are three ways that you can qualify to vote in a municipality:

1. As a resident elector if you live in the municipality. You may own, rent, live in shared accommodation where you do not pay rent, or live in the municipality but do not have a fixed address. Being a resident elector is the most common type of eligibility.
2. As a non-resident elector if you own or rent property in a municipality, but it’s not the one where you live. You can be a resident elector in only one municipality. However, you can be a non-resident elector in any other municipality (or municipalities) where you own or rent property.
3. As the spouse of a non-resident elector if your spouse owns or rents property in the municipality or municipalities other than the one where you live.  

Can I vote if I have no fixed address or am currently unhoused?

If you do not have a fixed address or are currently unhoused, you can vote in the Ward where you have been located or slept for the majority of the 5 weeks before the election.

How can I use the Vote-by-Mail Voting method?

Vote-by-Mail on Demand Kits must be requested using the registration form during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) between September 1, 2026, and September 25, 2026.

The Vote by Mail registration form will be available starting September 1, 2026 on this webpage, through email request to election@portcolborne.ca, or in person at City Hall, located at 66 Charlotte Street.

These kits come complete with instructions on how to accurately fill out and return your ballot. They also come with instructions on what to do if you make a mistake on your ballot and the process for requesting a new Vote-by-Mail on Demand Kit.

Please ensure you allow yourself plenty of extra time if voting by mail (be mindful that postal delays do occur). The final recommended mailing date for Vote-by-Mail ballots is Friday, October 16, 2026. Vote-by-Mail ballots can also be dropped off at City Hall during business hours.

What are the Offices to Be Elected?

Port Colborne Voters will elect the following offices:

• Mayor and, by virtue of office, Regional Councillor*
  • One (1) position elected at large
• City Councillor, Ward 1*
  • Two (2) positions
• City Councillor, Ward 2*
  • Two (2) positions
• City Councillor, Ward 3*
  • Two (2) positions
• English Public School Trustee for the District School Board of Niagara
  • One (1) position elected at large
• English Separate School Trustee for the Niagara Catholic District School Board
  • One (1) position elected at large
• French Public School Trustee for the District School board of Niagara
  • One (1) position elected at large
• French Separate School Trustee for the Niagara Catholic District School
  • One (1) position elected at large

 *Ontario Regulation 140/26: Council Composition of Certain Lower Tier Municipalities, reduced the Offices to be Elected for the 2026 Municipal Election to one Mayor and six City Councillors across three wards. For more information regarding ward boundary changes, please visit our Ward Boundaries page.

What if I need assistance to vote?

The goal of Election Officials is to make voting as accessible as possible. There are many options in place for those who require extra assistance in voting, including:

• Vote-by-mail on Demand: a ballot that a voter fills out at home, which is then delivered to the ballot counting centre at City Hall by the postal service. You must request a Vote-by-mail on Demand Kit early to ensure your vote arrives at the ballot counting centre on time.
• Advanced Voting: held on October 2nd, 3rd, and 14th at the Vale Health and Wellness Centre, advanced voting provides the opportunity to vote before Voting Day (October 26^th). This is a great option for those who may need extra time, space, or assistance from Election Officials in casting their ballot since the voting locations will be less crowded.

Apart from these options, Election Officials will all be trained to aid voters who need assistance as they cast their ballot. If selecting an in-person method of voting, communicate your needs to the Election Officials and they will be happy to help.

All voting locations have been carefully screened to make sure they comply with AODA requirements. If you have any accessibility concerns, please email election@portcolborne.ca. Your feedback will help the City make voting more accessible for everyone. 

Can I use an interpreter?

You can ask anyone who is not a candidate or a scrutineer (a person who represents a candidate) to act as an interpreter for you. They must swear an oath that they will faithfully translate any communication between you and the election officials. Interpreters may not go behind the voting screen with you or assist you in voting.

What is the Voters' List?

The Voters’ List is a list of people who can vote in an election.

If you are on the Voters’ List, you will get a Voter Information Letter in the mail in mid-September, which will tell you where to vote. Your Voter Information Letter is not required to vote.

If you do not receive a Voter Information Letter, email election@portcolborne.ca for help or visit City Hall, located at 66 Charlotte Street, Port Colborne, during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). You can also add your name to the Voters’ List on voting day.

You can check to see if your name is on the Voters’ List by email to election@portcolborne.ca, by calling (905) 835-2900, or in person at City Hall (located at 66 Charlotte Street) between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

What if I need to change my information on the Voters' List?

If a person is not on the Voters' List or wishes to amend their information, they must complete the "Application to Amend Voters' List", Form EL15 to request an amendment to the Voters' List. Copies of Form EL15 are available at City Hall, the Vale Health and Wellness Centre, or at the following link: Form 15 - Application to Amend Voters' List. Form EL15s may be completed by electors on paper and mailed to the City Clerk’s Office or returned in person, either by the elector or through an agent of the elector, at City Hall.

The Clerk may require the applicant to provide satisfactory proof of the person’s identity and eligibility to vote. The list of acceptable identification documents can be viewed at the following link: Acceptable Forms of Voter Identification. Applicants who submit a Form EL15 by mail are not required to provide proof of identity. A copy of the certified or rejected application will be returned to the applicant by mail.

What if I do not receive my Voter Information Letter in the mail or the information on it is incorrect?

If Election Day is rapidly approaching and you have not yet received your Voter Information Letter (VIL), or your VIL has inaccurate information on it, your Voters’ List information is likely out of date.

There are two ways to update your Voters’ List Information:

1. Contact the Election Team at election@portcolborne.ca to update your information before heading to the polls.
   
   This will ensure you can cast your vote quickly and efficiently on Election Day.
2. Update your information at the polls. Election Officials will be there to help you through the process.
   
   You will need to fill out a form and present the Election Official with valid identification to prove your identity.

What is considered "valid identification"?

There are three ways to validate your identity at the polls.

Option 1: Show one of these pieces of ID:

• Your driver’s license
• Any other card issued by the Canadian government (federal, provincial, or local) with your photo, name, and current address

Option 2: Show two pieces of ID. Both must have your name and at least one must have your current address.

Here is a list of some forms of valid ID for this option:

• Birth certificate
• Canadian citizenship card or certificate
• Canadian Forces identity card
• Canadian passport
• Government cheque or cheque stub
• Government statement of benefits
• Health card
• Income tax assessment
• Library card
• Old age security card
• Property tax assessment or evaluation
• Vehicle ownership
• Residential lease or sub-lease
• Utility bill (e.g.: electricity; water; telecommunications services including telephone, cable, or satellite)
• Student identity card

If you would like to verify whether your preferred form of ID is valid, email election@portcolborne.ca to check.

Option 3: If you don't have any valid form of ID available, you can still vote using Form 9. Election Officials can help you through this process.

Where can I learn more about school support designations?

Where can I see the Election Accessibility Plan?

2026 Election Accessibility Plan:

View the City of Port Colborne Procedures for the Implementation of the Accessibility Plan for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election. 

2022 Election Accessibility Plan and Report:

View the City of Port Colborne 2022 Election Accessibility Plan and Report.

2026 Election Worker Applications

The City of Port Colborne is recruiting paid election officials to help with advance voting and Election Day on Oct. 26. It's a great opportunity to support the election process and #PORTicipate in the community!

Available Positions

The following positions are available: Election Position Descriptions.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply, you must:

• be legally entitled to work in Canada
• be 18 years of age on or before voting day

You are not eligible to work the election if you are:

• a candidate or registered third party advertiser
• a family member of a candidate

Application Instructions

Applications must be completed using the following form: 2026 Municipal Election Worker Application - Fillable PDF.

Paper copies of the application form are also available at City Hall, located at 66 Charlotte Street.

Completed applications may be submitted by email to election@portcolborne.ca or delivered in person to Port Colborne City Hall, located at 66 Charlotte Street, to the attention of the Election Coordinator. Applications close on August 31, 2026. 

Successful applicants will be contacted for a brief phone interview. We thank all applicants who apply, but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. While election employment is generally considered volunteer civic service, each position will receive a daily stipend in recognition of time and commitment. Mandatory paid training will be provided for all successful applicants prior to Election Day. 

For Candidates - 2026 Key Election Dates

May 1, 2026

• Candidate Nomination Period opens. Nomination forms may be filed during regular business hours in the Office of the City Clerk, located at 66 Charlotte Street.

• A person cannot raise or spend money on an election campaign until they have filed the nomination paperwork.

August 21, 2026 - 2:00 p.m.

• Candidate Nomination Period closes.
• Those interested in running as a candidate have until 2:00 p.m. to file their nomination papers, withdraw a nomination, or change office.

August 24, 2026

• Certification of Nomination Forms and Acclamations. The City Clerk will certify nomination forms prior to 4:00 p.m.
• If there are positions declared elected by acclamation (e.g. no other candidates running for the same position), a list will be posted by the City after 4:00 p.m.

September 2026

• The Preliminary List of Electors is made available to candidates.
• Vote-by-Mail applications become available.

October 2026

• Electors vote in-person on the following dates:
  
  • Advanced Voting 
    • October 2nd
    • October 3rd
    • October 14th
  • Election Day Voting
    • October 26th
• During the week of October 26th, 2026 Official Election results are declared by the City Clerk as soon as possible after voting day.

November 15, 2026

• New Council terms begins.

November 17, 2026

• Inaugural meeting of City Council.

Candidate Information

 Who can be a Candidate?

• Candidates must be a resident of the municipality, a non-resident owner or tenant of land in the municipality, or the spouse of such non-resident owner or tenant;

• a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old;

• not legally prohibited from voting;

• not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office.

• Candidates will need 25 signatures of endorsement from eligible voters and must pay a fee of $100 ($200 for mayor) 

Nomination Period

The Candidate Nomination Period will open Friday, May 1, 2026.

The deadline to file a nomination to be a council or school board trustee candidate is Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM.

Nomination packages will be available for pickup at City Hall starting on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026.

How to File a Nomination

You must file in person by appointment only at City Hall, located at 66 Charlotte Street. To book a nomination filing appointment, contact the Election Coordinator by email at election@portcolborne.ca or by phone at (905) 228-8120.

You will need to pay the nomination fee ($200.00 for Mayor, $100.00 for Councillor or School Board Trustee) and provide two pieces of identification. One piece of identification must be an original passport or birth certificate. Photocopies or pictures cannot be accepted. You are also required to swear an oath at our office. You may complete the following forms in advance of the appointment, available through the MMAH Central Forms Repository:

• Form 1 – Nomination Form
• Form 2 – Endorsement of Nomination

Please ensure that you are downloading and completing the 2026 forms and not the 2022 forms. 

Payment of the nomination fee must be made at City Hall  and can be made by cash, cheque, debit, or credit card.

Withdrawing a Nomination

If you no longer wish to run in the City of Port Colborne Municipal Election, you must file a written withdrawal in-person with the Clerks department before 2:00 PM on Nomination Day (August 21, 2026).

Reasons to Reject a Nomination by the Clerk

The City Clerk must examine each nomination filed. If satisfied that the nomination complies with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the City Clerk shall certify the nomination. If not satisfied, the Clerk shall reject the nomination and give notice to all candidates for that office. The Clerk's decision to reject a nomination is final. 

The Clerk may consider the following criteria in the decision to reject or certify nominations:

• The candidate has refused or declined to provide proof of qualifications or identification suitable to the Clerk.
• The candidate does not meet the eligibility requirements set out under Section 29(1) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.
• The nomination form is not complete in its entirety, or the filing fee has not been paid.
• The necessary financial statement was not filed for the previous regular election for any new election in which the individual may have been a candidate.

Forms and More Information: 

2026 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) Candidate Guide

Port Colborne Election Sign By-law

MMAH Presentation for Candidates 

MMAH Candidates Information Session Slideshow

Use of Corporate Resources for Election Purposes Policy 

 Third Party Advertisers

Third party advertising refers to advertisements or other materials that support, promote or oppose a candidate, or support, promote or oppose a “yes” or “no” answer to a question on the ballot. The meaning of “third party” in this context means a person or entity who is not a candidate. Third party advertising is separate from any candidate’s campaign, and must be done independently from a candidate. Any advertisements or materials that are made and distributed by a candidate, or under a candidate’s direction, are part of the candidate’s campaign. 

For More Information and Forms: 

2026 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Third Party Advertisers’ Guide

Notice of Registration – Third Party

 Niagara Compliance Audit Committee

The Municipal Elections Act, 1996 requires each municipality and school board in Ontario to establish a compliance audit committee to consider compliance audit applications.

Information regarding the 2026 Compliance Audit Committee will be updated as it becomes available.

2022 Niagara Compliance Audit Committee

In 2022, Niagara's municipalities and school boards partnered to establish the joint Niagara Compliance Audit Committee. The participants included: 

• Local Area Municipalities: Town of Fort Erie, Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, City of Niagara Falls, Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Town of Pelham, City of Port Colborne, City of St. Catharines, City of Thorold, Township of Wainfleet, City of Welland and Township of West Lincoln
• Region: Regional Municipality of Niagara
• School Boards: District School Board of Niagara and Niagara Catholic District School Board

The Purpose of the Committee was to:

• Consider whether to grant or reject a compliance audit application made by an eligible elector;
• Appoint an auditor if the application is granted;
• Receive and consider the auditor's report and decide whether legal proceedings should be commenced;
• Consider reports from the Clerk identifying contributors who appear to have contravened election contribution limits and decide whether legal proceedings should be commenced.

The powers and functions of the committee are found under Sections 88.33 - 88.37 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.

Compliance Audit Applications

If an elector entitled to vote believes on reasonable grounds that a candidate or registered third party advertiser has contravened any of the campaign finance rules, the elector may apply for a compliance audit and file their Application with the City Clerk.

Application for Compliance Audit 

Eligible Elector

• A Canadian citizen
• At least 18 years of age;
• Resides in the municipality, or is the owner or tenant of land, or the spouse of such owner or tenant