Your Guide to the 2026 Municipal Election in Muskoka Lakes

Save these dates for the 2026 Municipal Election:

Thursday, April 30 at 6:00 p.m.
Candidate Information Session & Workshop
District of Muskoka Council Chambers (70 Pine Street, Bracebridge)
Click here to learn more about this session

Friday, May 1
Nominations open for candidates
Third-party advertiser registration opens

Monday, June 1
Deadline for voters to update their school support designation with MPAC

Friday, August 21 at 2:00 p.m.
Deadline to file candidate nomination papers

Friday, October 23
Deadline to register or withdraw as a third-party advertiser

Wednesday, October 14 – Monday, October 26
Voting Period
Format: Internet and telephone
Results: The Clerk will declare the official election results as soon as possible after Election Day. 

Visit the Voters Hub: Voter Information, Eligibility & Identification

Eligibility Checklist

You may be eligible to vote in the Muskoka Lakes municipal election if you are:

• a Canadian citizen
• at least 18 years old
• a resident of Muskoka Lakes, or
• a non-resident owner or tenant of land in Muskoka Lakes, or the spouse of one

Helpful Steps for Voters

Explore the all-in-one guide for voters, developed by the Province of Ontario, here: 2026 Voters’ Guide

1. Check your voter information
   Check, update or add your information to the voters list for municipal, district social services administration board, school board and provincial elections in Ontario. Visit https://www.registertovoteon.ca/
   
   
2. Confirm your ward
   Muskoka Lakes is divided into three wards. Find your ward to confirm who is running in your area. Visit muskoka.maps.arcgis.com
   
   
3. Review your school support designation
   Your school support designation determines which school board trustee you can vote for. If you would like to update your designation, please complete before June 1, 2026 through MPAC.
   
   
4. Have your identification ready
   Voters will need acceptable identification showing their name and qualifying address.
   
   Examples of Acceptable ID:
   Ontario driver’s licence
   Ontario Photo Card
   See more ID options here
   
   
5. Save the dates to vote
   Voting in Muskoka Lakes will be conducted by internet and telephone from Wednesday, October 14 – Monday, October 26. For more information, visit Voter Information, Eligibility & Identification

Visit the Third-Party Advertisers Hub: Third-Party Advertising

The Role of a Third-Party Advertiser

A third-party advertiser is an individual, corporation, or trade union that wishes to place advertising that supports or opposes:

• a candidate, or
• a “yes” or “no” answer to a question on the ballot

Third-party advertisers must register with the Clerk before participating. Contact the Clerk at 705-765-3156 or clerks@muskokalakes.ca to book an in-person appointment. 

The deadline to register or withdraw is October 23, 2026.

Helpful Steps for Third-Party Advertisers

Explore the all-in-one guide for third-party advertisers, developed by the Province of Ontario, here: 2026 Third-Party Advertisers’ Guide

1. Understand the rules
   Review whether your planned advertising qualifies as third party advertising. See the Guide.
   
   
2. Review registration requirements
   Be sure you understand the rules related to registration, contributions, expenses, and financial reporting. See the Guide.
   
   
3. Register on time
   Registration opens on May 1, 2026 and closes on October 23, 2026. Contact the Clerk at 705-765-3156 or clerks@muskokalakes.ca to book an in-person appointment. 
   
   
4. Keep detailed records
   Track all contributions, expenses, and advertising activity carefully.
   
   
5. File all required forms
   Financial statements and other required documents must be submitted by the applicable deadlines.

Interested in getting involved, but not as a Councillor? The Muskoka Compliance Audit Committee receives and makes decisions on applications for compliance audits of candidates' and registered third parties municipal election campaign finances and any by-election campaign finances during the term of Council.

Learn more about this committee here: Muskoka Compliance Audit Committee