2026 Municipal Election

2026 Municipal Election

Francais ci-dessous

2026 Election sticker contest

Kingston’s search for the next iconic “I Voted” sticker design is officially underway! We invite the community to design official “I Voted” and “Future Voter” stickers that will be handed out at voting places on Advance Voting Days (Oct. 16 and 17, 2026) and Voting Day (Oct. 26, 2026). And, while you’re getting ready to design your sticker, don’t forget to make sure you’re registered to vote!

Lead locally – run for municipal office!

On Oct. 26, 2026, Kingston will go to the polls to elect its next Mayor, District Councillors, and School Board Trustees. Municipal elections are held every four years. For those looking to step forward, the nomination period opens May 1.

Running for municipal office offers the opportunity to lead locally – making decisions and representing community priorities. If you’re considering candidacy, we encourage you to start preparing now so you are prepared to file your nomination before 2 p.m. on Aug. 21.

If you want ongoing candidate information in your inbox, please email us at getinvolved@cityofkingston.ca. The goal is to help you understand the roles, expectations, and steps involved if you decide to move forward.

How to run for municipal office

  • Review resources and ask questions below

What a Mayor Does

The Mayor is the head of the municipality and its chief executive officer, providing leadership and helping guide the City’s direction. They chair Council Meetings and act as the City’s main public representative.

In some municipalities, including Kingston, the Mayor also has additional special powers popularly known as “Strong Mayor” powers.

If you run for Mayor, you would be expected to:

  • Chair Council meetings and guide discussions
  • Set priorities and help shape the City’s direction
  • Work with Councillors and staff to move initiatives forward
  • Represent the City publicly, to the media and with other governments
  • Participate in and foster activities that enhance the well-being of the municipality
  • Present an annual budget per “Strong Mayor” powers

What Council Does

Council is made up of elected Councillors who make decisions on behalf of residents and guide the municipality's operations. They are responsible for approving policies, bylaws, services and spending.

If you run for Council, you would be expected to:

  • Attend Council and committee meetings and vote on decisions
  • Serve on committees, boards and community groups
  • Review reports, budgets and proposals
  • Maintain the financial integrity of the City
  • Ensure the accountability and transparency of City operations
  • Speak with residents and bring forward community concerns
  • Balance local needs with city-wide priorities

Candidate Resources

Engagez-vous au niveau local. Présentez-vous aux élections municipales !

Les candidatures sont ouvertes du 1er mai au 21 août 2026. Renseignez-vous sur la façon de vous porter candidat ou candidate à une élection municipale ou scolaire en consultant le Guide 2026 à l’intention des candidats et candidates — élections municipales et scolaires en Ontario.

2026 Municipal Election

Francais ci-dessous

2026 Election sticker contest

Kingston’s search for the next iconic “I Voted” sticker design is officially underway! We invite the community to design official “I Voted” and “Future Voter” stickers that will be handed out at voting places on Advance Voting Days (Oct. 16 and 17, 2026) and Voting Day (Oct. 26, 2026). And, while you’re getting ready to design your sticker, don’t forget to make sure you’re registered to vote!

Lead locally – run for municipal office!

On Oct. 26, 2026, Kingston will go to the polls to elect its next Mayor, District Councillors, and School Board Trustees. Municipal elections are held every four years. For those looking to step forward, the nomination period opens May 1.

Running for municipal office offers the opportunity to lead locally – making decisions and representing community priorities. If you’re considering candidacy, we encourage you to start preparing now so you are prepared to file your nomination before 2 p.m. on Aug. 21.

If you want ongoing candidate information in your inbox, please email us at getinvolved@cityofkingston.ca. The goal is to help you understand the roles, expectations, and steps involved if you decide to move forward.

How to run for municipal office

  • Review resources and ask questions below

What a Mayor Does

The Mayor is the head of the municipality and its chief executive officer, providing leadership and helping guide the City’s direction. They chair Council Meetings and act as the City’s main public representative.

In some municipalities, including Kingston, the Mayor also has additional special powers popularly known as “Strong Mayor” powers.

If you run for Mayor, you would be expected to:

  • Chair Council meetings and guide discussions
  • Set priorities and help shape the City’s direction
  • Work with Councillors and staff to move initiatives forward
  • Represent the City publicly, to the media and with other governments
  • Participate in and foster activities that enhance the well-being of the municipality
  • Present an annual budget per “Strong Mayor” powers

What Council Does

Council is made up of elected Councillors who make decisions on behalf of residents and guide the municipality's operations. They are responsible for approving policies, bylaws, services and spending.

If you run for Council, you would be expected to:

  • Attend Council and committee meetings and vote on decisions
  • Serve on committees, boards and community groups
  • Review reports, budgets and proposals
  • Maintain the financial integrity of the City
  • Ensure the accountability and transparency of City operations
  • Speak with residents and bring forward community concerns
  • Balance local needs with city-wide priorities

Candidate Resources

Engagez-vous au niveau local. Présentez-vous aux élections municipales !

Les candidatures sont ouvertes du 1er mai au 21 août 2026. Renseignez-vous sur la façon de vous porter candidat ou candidate à une élection municipale ou scolaire en consultant le Guide 2026 à l’intention des candidats et candidates — élections municipales et scolaires en Ontario.

  • Sticker Contest - Details and Requirements

    Calling all Kingstonians: You're invited to submit your designs for Kingston's 2026 "I Voted" and "Future Voter" stickers!

    Kingston voters are headed to the polls on October 26, 2026! Help us design this year's voter stickers. We're collecting design submissions until July 3, 2026. The election team will review all submissions and choose a shortlist that will open for public voting. The design receiving the most online votes during the voting period will win the contest.

    The winning stickers will be available to voters and future voters at voting locations and winners will receive a sheet of their stickers to keep!

    Eligibility:

    • "I Voted" sticker: Open to all Kingston residents*
    • "Future Voter" sticker: Open to youth aged 17 and under (with parental consent)
    • Only one sticker submission per participant

    *Please note that advertising and promotion agencies are not eligible to participate. City employees and immediate family members (spouses, children, parents and siblings) may submit designs, but are not eligible to win.

    All submissions must:

    • Include exact wording: "I Voted" or "Future Voter"
    • Fit within the design template available here.
    • Be original artwork
    • Be digital designs or hand-drawn artwork (scanned and photographed clearly)
    • Not permitted:
      • AI-generated artwork
      • Copyrighted or trademarked images, logos, or characters
      • Political party logos, slogans, or candidate references
      • Offensive, discriminatory, or commercial content

    Ready to submit your design? Follow these steps:

    1. Review the rules and requirements below.
    2. Download the sticker template here.
    3. Create your design and upload it using the submission form before Friday, July 3 at 4 p.m.
      • You can also send your PDF or JPG design files to GetInvolvedKingston@CityofKingston.ca or drop it off at the Elections Office in City Hall or the front desk of any City recreation facility or KFPL library branch.
    4. Keep your eyes peeled for the shortlist announcement later this summer!
    By participating, each participant and the Winning Participant agree that:
    a) artwork is their own original work and not based on any pre-existing work;
    b) no third-party intellectual property, including AI-generated content, is used; and
    c) the City receives full ownership of winning designs and rights to reproduce, distribute and/or use designs in any format.


    The City reserves the right to disqualify submissions not meeting requirements, not select a winner if standards are not met, and make minor modifications for print quality or other purposes deemed necessary by the City.

    General Requirements

    • All Contest entries obtained through unauthorized sources or which are incomplete, illegible, mutilated, altered, reproduced, forged, offensive, irregular or fraudulent in any way or otherwise not in compliance with these rules and regulations are automatically void.
    • The City will be the sole and final reference source in validating the winning design.
    • By participating, each participant and the winning participant agree: (a) to be bound by the Contest rules and regulations and the decisions of the City; (b) to release and hold harmless the City, its employees, elected officials, agents and representatives including advertising and promotion agencies, from any and all liability for claims/damages including, but not limited to claims/damages for personal injury, for property damage with respect to participation in the Contest; and (c) to permit the City to use the participant’s name, address, city and province for advertising or publicity purposes without any additional compensation to the participant.
    • The decisions of the City in relation to this Contest will be final and binding on all participants.
    • The City shall not be responsible for incorrect or inaccurate transcription or registration of Contest entry information, technical malfunctions, lost/delayed data transmission, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, faulty, incomplete, incomprehensible, or erased computer or network transmissions, line failures of any telephone network, failure of computer equipment, software, inability to access any online service or web site, inability to submit a vote, or any other error or malfunction, or any injury or damage to participant’s or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participation or downloading any materials in this Contest, or for late, lost, stolen or misdirected entries.
    • The City reserves the right to cancel, terminate, or suspend this Contest, at its sole discretion, in the event of a technical failure, computer virus or bug, unauthorized human intervention, fraud or any other occurrence or cause beyond its control that corrupts or adversely affects the administration, security, fairness or normal operation of the Contest.
    • The Contest is subject to all Federal, Provincial and local laws, as well as the rules adopted in view of said laws. The personal information provided to enter the Contest will be used only to administer the Contest, and for no other reason.
    • All entries will become the sole property of the City and may be displayed publicly on its website.
    • The winning participant agrees to transfer all his/her/its rights, title and interest in and to the design to the City in accordance with the rules and regulations of the contest.

    Notice of Collection

    All information received will be compiled and considered by staff for use under the purposes of this site. Information will be collected and used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and other relevant privacy legislation. All comments made on this site are available to the public and may form part of public records.

    Calling all Kingstonians: You're invited to submit your designs for Kingston's 2026 "I Voted" and "Future Voter" stickers!

    Kingston voters are headed to the polls on October 26, 2026! Help us design this year's voter stickers. We're collecting design submissions until July 3, 2026. The election team will review all submissions and choose a shortlist that will open for public voting. The design receiving the most online votes during the voting period will win the contest.

    The winning stickers will be available to voters and future voters at voting locations and winners will receive a sheet of their stickers to keep!

    Eligibility:

    • "I Voted" sticker: Open to all Kingston residents*
    • "Future Voter" sticker: Open to youth aged 17 and under (with parental consent)
    • Only one sticker submission per participant

    *Please note that advertising and promotion agencies are not eligible to participate. City employees and immediate family members (spouses, children, parents and siblings) may submit designs, but are not eligible to win.

    All submissions must:

    • Include exact wording: "I Voted" or "Future Voter"
    • Fit within the design template available here.
    • Be original artwork
    • Be digital designs or hand-drawn artwork (scanned and photographed clearly)
    • Not permitted:
      • AI-generated artwork
      • Copyrighted or trademarked images, logos, or characters
      • Political party logos, slogans, or candidate references
      • Offensive, discriminatory, or commercial content

    Ready to submit your design? Follow these steps:

    1. Review the rules and requirements below.
    2. Download the sticker template here.
    3. Create your design and upload it using the submission form before Friday, July 3 at 4 p.m.
      • You can also send your PDF or JPG design files to GetInvolvedKingston@CityofKingston.ca or drop it off at the Elections Office in City Hall or the front desk of any City recreation facility or KFPL library branch.
    4. Keep your eyes peeled for the shortlist announcement later this summer!
    By participating, each participant and the Winning Participant agree that:
    a) artwork is their own original work and not based on any pre-existing work;
    b) no third-party intellectual property, including AI-generated content, is used; and
    c) the City receives full ownership of winning designs and rights to reproduce, distribute and/or use designs in any format.


    The City reserves the right to disqualify submissions not meeting requirements, not select a winner if standards are not met, and make minor modifications for print quality or other purposes deemed necessary by the City.

    General Requirements

    • All Contest entries obtained through unauthorized sources or which are incomplete, illegible, mutilated, altered, reproduced, forged, offensive, irregular or fraudulent in any way or otherwise not in compliance with these rules and regulations are automatically void.
    • The City will be the sole and final reference source in validating the winning design.
    • By participating, each participant and the winning participant agree: (a) to be bound by the Contest rules and regulations and the decisions of the City; (b) to release and hold harmless the City, its employees, elected officials, agents and representatives including advertising and promotion agencies, from any and all liability for claims/damages including, but not limited to claims/damages for personal injury, for property damage with respect to participation in the Contest; and (c) to permit the City to use the participant’s name, address, city and province for advertising or publicity purposes without any additional compensation to the participant.
    • The decisions of the City in relation to this Contest will be final and binding on all participants.
    • The City shall not be responsible for incorrect or inaccurate transcription or registration of Contest entry information, technical malfunctions, lost/delayed data transmission, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, faulty, incomplete, incomprehensible, or erased computer or network transmissions, line failures of any telephone network, failure of computer equipment, software, inability to access any online service or web site, inability to submit a vote, or any other error or malfunction, or any injury or damage to participant’s or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participation or downloading any materials in this Contest, or for late, lost, stolen or misdirected entries.
    • The City reserves the right to cancel, terminate, or suspend this Contest, at its sole discretion, in the event of a technical failure, computer virus or bug, unauthorized human intervention, fraud or any other occurrence or cause beyond its control that corrupts or adversely affects the administration, security, fairness or normal operation of the Contest.
    • The Contest is subject to all Federal, Provincial and local laws, as well as the rules adopted in view of said laws. The personal information provided to enter the Contest will be used only to administer the Contest, and for no other reason.
    • All entries will become the sole property of the City and may be displayed publicly on its website.
    • The winning participant agrees to transfer all his/her/its rights, title and interest in and to the design to the City in accordance with the rules and regulations of the contest.

    Notice of Collection

    All information received will be compiled and considered by staff for use under the purposes of this site. Information will be collected and used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and other relevant privacy legislation. All comments made on this site are available to the public and may form part of public records.

  • Strong local leadership reflects the whole community

    Where you are in the election process: Nomination period is open!

    Municipal councils and school boards make better decisions when many perspectives are represented.

    People bring different lived experiences to public office, shaped by factors like age, culture, language, ability, education, family structure, life experiences and community involvement. These differences help elected bodies better understand the realities residents face and the impacts of local government decisions.

    When local leadership reflects the community it serves, decisions are better grounded in real experience. If you don’t see people like yourself represented in local leadership today, that doesn’t mean you don’t

    Where you are in the election process: Nomination period is open!

    Municipal councils and school boards make better decisions when many perspectives are represented.

    People bring different lived experiences to public office, shaped by factors like age, culture, language, ability, education, family structure, life experiences and community involvement. These differences help elected bodies better understand the realities residents face and the impacts of local government decisions.

    When local leadership reflects the community it serves, decisions are better grounded in real experience. If you don’t see people like yourself represented in local leadership today, that doesn’t mean you don’t belong. In fact, it may mean your perspective is especially needed!

    Resource links:

    If you want this information in your inbox, please email us at getinvolved@cityofkingston.ca!. The goal is to help you understand the roles, expectations, and steps involved if you decide to move forward.

  • Can I run for public office - and should I run?

    Where you are in the election process: Nomination period is open!

    Am I eligible to run for public office, and is this the right level of responsibility for me? Keep reading to help answer those questions!

    To answer the eligibility question, most residents of the municipality who can vote can also run for municipal office or School Board Trustee. Full details are available through the City.

    Next, understand what each role entails and whether you are interested in taking it on at this stage in your life, considering things like responsibilities and time commitment.

    What District Councillors do

    Where you are in the election process: Nomination period is open!

    Am I eligible to run for public office, and is this the right level of responsibility for me? Keep reading to help answer those questions!

    To answer the eligibility question, most residents of the municipality who can vote can also run for municipal office or School Board Trustee. Full details are available through the City.

    Next, understand what each role entails and whether you are interested in taking it on at this stage in your life, considering things like responsibilities and time commitment.

    What District Councillors do

    District Councillors are elected to make decisions about how the City runs and what it provides. They do not run day-to-day operations. District Councillors focus on strategic direction and decision-making.

    This includes:

    • Setting policies and priorities
    • Approving budgets and spending
    • Deciding on municipal services
    • Reviewing staff reports and making decisions in Council and committee meetings

    They also spend time meeting with residents, sitting on committees, reviewing agendas and reports and attending community events.

    What the Mayor does

    The Mayor is part of Council but has added leadership responsibilities.

    This includes:

    • Leading Council meetings
    • Representing the City publicly
    • Helping set direction and priorities
    • Acting as the main public face of the municipality

    In Kingston, provincial rules (Strong Mayor Powers) also give the Mayor additional authority over areas such as vetoing bylaws, proposing budgets and providing direction to municipal staff. These powers are tied to provincial housing and infrastructure priorities.

    If you’re ready to move forward

    Once you’ve decided to put your name forward, there are important steps to take. Filing requires an in-person appointment at City Hall so staff can review completed paperwork (available here) and support the process. Book your appointment now!

    Resource links:

    AMO Municipal 101: Key Municipal Roles

    Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing – Candidates’ Guide (Municipal Elections)

    AMO's Healthy Democracy Leadership Series: Supporting Local Leadership in the run-up to the 2026 Municipal Elections – free online workshop series for leaders seeking re-election or first-time aspiring candidates

    If you want this information in your inbox, please email us at getinvolved@cityofkingston.ca!. The goal is to help you understand the roles, expectations, and steps involved if you decide to move forward.

  • Thinking about running in the municipal election? Start here!

    Where you are in the election process: Nomination period is about to open

    Are you considering running for Mayor, District Councillor, or School Board Trustee in Kingston’s 2026 municipal election, or wondering whether it’s something worth exploring?

    Kingston votes on October 26, 2026. This year’s ballot will include:

    • Municipal roles (Mayor and District Councillors), who make decisions about City services, policies, budgets, and long‑term planning

    • School board trustees, who focus on public education governance and setting direction and priorities for local school boards

    If you want this information in your inbox, please use the Subscribe tool on this page

    Where you are in the election process: Nomination period is about to open

    Are you considering running for Mayor, District Councillor, or School Board Trustee in Kingston’s 2026 municipal election, or wondering whether it’s something worth exploring?

    Kingston votes on October 26, 2026. This year’s ballot will include:

    • Municipal roles (Mayor and District Councillors), who make decisions about City services, policies, budgets, and long‑term planning

    • School board trustees, who focus on public education governance and setting direction and priorities for local school boards

    If you want this information in your inbox, please use the Subscribe tool on this page (top right)! The goal is to help you understand the roles, expectations, and steps involved if you decide to move forward.

    Public office is present in daily life more than many people realize. It shapes services like water, roads, transit, parks, recreation, emergency response, and, for Trustees, schools. These systems are influenced through local decisions.

    You do not need political experience to run, and you don’t need to decide now! This is a starting point to understand what the roles involve and what comes next if you want to learn more.

    In the weeks ahead, we will cover things like:

    • Whether you are eligible to run

    • What the work of Mayor and Council looks like

    • How decisions get made

    • What the nomination process involves

    If you decide this is not for you, that is still a useful outcome. If you decide to explore further, you will know what you are stepping into. If you have any questions in the meantime, the Q&A tool is always open on this Get Involved page.

    Candidate information sessions

    For a guided tour of what running for office looks like, consider attending a candidate information session. Watch the video recording of the April 26 information session here.

    • Tuesday, May 26 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

    • Kingston Frontenac Public Library - Calvin Park Branch (88 Wright Cres.)

    Learn more

Page last updated: 03 Jun 2026, 10:13 AM