Election Resources: Supporting your Run for Municipal Office in 2026
Resources
Lead Where You Live is AMO’s comprehensive guide for anyone considering running in the 2026 municipal election. This resource walks you through what municipal councils do, what it means to serve your community, and the steps involved in launching a successful campaign. Whether you’re exploring the idea or preparing to file your nomination, this guide provides practical information, tools, and insights to support your journey.
Through the Healthy Democracy Solutions Bank, AMO has developed a Candidate Resource Catalogue for candidates running for municipal office. Resources range from helping you make the decision to run or run again, to building your team, crafting your message, and getting out the vote.
AMO’s Free Workshop Series and Leadership Programs
AMO is offering programs designed to support aspiring candidates and returning elected officials. Whether you are considering your first run for office, seeking re-election, represent an underrepresented community, or a youth, we have a program tailored for you. View details of the free workshops below. Currently in development is a session for Indigenous candidates-stay tuned for more information.
AMO's Healthy Democracy Leadership Series: Supporting Local Leadership in run up to the 2026 Municipal Elections
AMO's Healthy Democracy Leadership Series: Supporting Local Leadership in run up to the 2026 Municipal Elections
Join AMO’s new online workshop series for leaders seeking re-election or first-time aspiring candidates— offered at no charge for participants.
As Ontario heads toward the 2026 municipal elections, elected officials and aspiring candidates are being tested like never before. From navigating divisive politics and social media toxicity to maintaining personal wellbeing under constant public scrutiny, the demands of leadership can feel overwhelming.
Developed in partnership with Nominee, Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities is designed to equip you with the tools, resilience, and confidence to meet these challenges head-on — and to rediscover the purpose that brought you to public service in the first place.
This workshop series is being offered for no charge in two streams:
- Stream 1: For elected officials at the municipal level across Ontario who are considering re-election in 2026 and preparing their path forward.
- Stream 2: For community members considering a run for municipal office in 2026—first-time candidates who want to build confidence before launching a campaign. Civic-minded leaders who want to explore whether elected office is right for them.
Workshop dates: each workshop runs 6:30 - 8:00pm
- Stream 1: Elected officials
- April 23, 2026 - Session 3
- May 7, 2026 - Session 4
- Stream 2: First-time candidates
- April 28, 2026 - Session 3
- May 19, 2026 -Session 4
New sessions have been added for First-time candidates:
- Stream 2: First-time candidates
- June 16, 2026 - Session 1
- June 23, 2026 - Session 2
- June 25, 2026 - Session 3
- June 30, 2026 - Session 4
An Information Session for Youth Considering Running for Municipal Office
If you are a youth interested in running for municipal council in October 2026, we have a workshop for you! The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for young people thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections.
These sessions will provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and confidence around how to become a candidate and running a campaign.
Facilitated by three current municipal leaders, Natasha Salonen-Mayor of the Township of Wilmont, Cam Wales-Councillor City of Brockville and Aidan Kallioinen-Councillor Town of Espanola, you will gain firsthand insight into
- What to expect running as a candidate and as young person
- Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
- Understand what it takes to become a candidate
- Strategies for engagement including communication
- And more!
Date:
- Wednesday, April 15, 6:30-8:00PM
- Tuesday, June 2, 6:30-8:00PM
Registration: FREE
An Information Session for Urban Indigenous Peoples Considering Running for Municipal Office
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for urban Indigenous peoples thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections.
These sessions will provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and confidence around how to become a candidate and running a campaign.
Facilitated by Melanie Pilon, the first Indigenous Mayor of Municipality of Wawa and member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and William Morin, member of Michipicoten First Nation and founder and leader of The First Peoples National Party of Canada (2004-2013), you will gain firsthand insight into:
- Why increasing Indigenous representation matters in Municipal governance?
- Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
- Understand what it takes to become a candidate
- Strategies to build confidence to lead with cultural integrity
- And more!
Dates:
- Wednesday, May 6, 6:30 – 8:30pm
- Wednesday, June 3, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Registration:
FREE and virtual
Running for Municipal Office-Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate
Running for Municipal Office-Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate
Event Date
June 09, 2026 - 6:30 PM (EDT) to 6:30 PM (EDT)
Virtual
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of workshops for people thinking about running for municipal office in the October 2026 elections.
Focused specifically on underrepresented candidates, this 90-minute workshop provides useful insights and strategies to support you in getting your name on the ballot.
Facilitated by former municipal Councillors Steve Anderson and Jasvinder Sandhu, you will be taken through:
- What to expect running as an underrepresented candidate
- Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
- Understand what it takes to become a candidate
- Identifying your target audience,
- Developing effective messaging and branding,
- Utilizing community engagement practices to enhance visibility and support.
- And more!
Registration: Free
Presenters:
- Steve Anderson:
Steve is the former Deputy Mayor for the Town of Shelburne and Councillor for the County of Dufferin. During his time in politics, Steve was identified by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) as a “Municipal Trailblazer.” In addition, Steve is a Senior practicing litigation lawyer with over 20 years of experience with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) where he has received several awards for his distinguished service. Steve was recently appointed by the Federal government to serve in the role of Deputy Administrator for Ship and Rail Compensation Canada.
- Jasvinder Sandhu
Jasvinder is a former Councillor for the Town of Oakville, having served from 2018-2022. During her time in politics, she was a member of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) youth engagement advisory board, and she currently serves as the Chair of the Healthy Democracy Project at AMO.
In her professional life, she is a expert Rising Star Top 40 under 40 Finalist and a seasoned employment lawyer with 15 years of practice experience, licensed in both the United States and Canada.