Ontario’s 2026 Municipal Election: AMO analysis shows more new candidates and fewer acclamations
With Ontario’s 2026 municipal election approaching, new analysis from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) provides a snapshot of the candidates, acclamations, gender representation and voting methods shaping this year’s municipal elections.
Ontario has 444 municipal governments, with 414 holding elections in 2026. Registrations for municipal elections closed on August 21, 2026. Approximately 6,663 candidates are competing for 2,800 elected positions, a slight increase over 2022. An additional 435 elected officials also sit on upper-tier councils, bringing the total number of elected positions to approximately 3,235.
“This year’s numbers show that Ontarians continue to step forward to serve their communities, with more than two-thirds of candidates new to the municipal election process,” said Lindsay Jones, Executive Director of AMO. “That is encouraging for the future of local government. Strong municipal government depends on people being willing to put their names forward, compete in elections and take on the responsibility of representing their communities.”
A mix of new voices and experienced leaders
In 2026, 4,502 candidates — 68 per cent of all candidates — have never been in municipal office, up from 66 per cent in 2022.
2,161 incumbents — 77 per cent of current elected officials — are running for re-election. This represents 32 per cent of all candidates.
Fewer acclamations across Ontario
There have been 400 candidate acclamations in 2026, down from 548 in 2022 and 477 in 2018.
There are also 104 Heads of Council — mayors and reeves — who have been acclaimed in 2026. This compares with 139 acclaimed Heads of Council in 2022 and 120 in 2018.
In 2026, 19 municipalities — approximately five per cent of the 414 municipalities holding elections — have had their entire council acclaimed. This is down from eight per cent in 2022 and is the same as the proportion in 2018.
The municipalities with fully acclaimed councils range in population from 105 in the Township of Brethour to 8,057 in the Town of Kapuskasing.
Female representation continues to increase
The number and proportion of female candidates have increased compared with 2022.
In 2026, 2,103 candidates, or 32 per cent of all candidates, are female, compared with 1,931 candidates, or 31 per cent, in 2022. In 2018, 1,808 candidates, or 27 per cent, were female.
Among Ontario’s 28 municipal governments with populations greater than 100,000, female candidates represent 30 per cent of candidates, compared with 32 per cent province-wide.
More municipalities using internet and telephone voting
Municipalities continue to adopt technology-based voting methods.
In 2026, 272 municipalities — 66 per cent of municipal governments — are using internet voting. This is up from 52 per cent of municipal governments with internet voting in 2022.
Only 87 municipalities — 21 per cent of municipal governments — are offering only in-person voting, down from 98 in 2022.
Supporting participation and strong local leadership
AMO has been working throughout the election cycle to support participation in municipal democracy. Through its Healthy Democracy Project, AMO offered free learning opportunities for prospective candidates across Ontario, with workshops focused on campaigning, governing and serving effectively. More than 6,000 people registered for the workshops, including specialized sessions for youth, Indigenous participants and other underrepresented candidates.
For those who are elected, AMO and the Institute on Governance have launched Local Leadership Foundations, a new practical learning program designed to help new and returning municipal elected officials build the knowledge and skills needed to begin the 2026–2030 term effectively. The program covers topics including governance, decision-making, municipal finance, civility and integrity, community engagement and leadership.
AMO’s analysis provides an overview of candidate participation, acclamations, gender representation and voting methods ahead of the 2026 municipal election. You can see the full analysis here.
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