Three Weeks Remain to Register as a Candidate in Ontario's Municipal Elections

July 28, 2026

AMO encourages more Ontarians to step forward for local office.

TORONTO – With just three weeks remaining before nominations close for Ontario's municipal elections on August 21, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is encouraging residents across the province to consider running for local office.

While many communities have strong candidate races underway, a growing number of council seats across Ontario continue to have few—or in some cases no—registered candidates. This trend reflects a broader challenge facing municipal democracy.

"Local government shapes our everyday lives, and our communities are strongest when a wide range of people choose to participate," said AMO President Robin Jones. "Municipal councils make decisions that affect housing, infrastructure, public safety, recreation, economic development and so much more. We encourage anyone who wants to make a difference in their community to consider putting their name forward."

To help encourage participation, AMO expanded its Healthy Democracy Project, providing free learning opportunities for prospective candidates across Ontario. More than 6,000 people registered for workshops featuring experienced current and former municipal leaders who shared practical advice on campaigning, governing and serving effectively. AMO also offered specialized sessions for youth, Indigenous participants and underrepresented candidates to help build more representative councils.

"The response has been incredibly encouraging," said Jones. "Thousands of Ontarians are interested in serving their communities. Now we need to ensure they have the confidence, support and resources to take that next step."

Municipal government has evolved significantly in recent years. Councils are managing increasingly complex responsibilities while elected officials face heavier workloads, greater public expectations and growing incivility.

"When fewer people run for office, communities have fewer choices and fewer perspectives around the council table," added Jones. "Healthy democracy depends on competitive elections and diverse voices."

To support councillors once elected, AMO and the Institute on Governance also launched Local Leadership Foundations, a new learning program designed to help newly elected and returning municipal leaders build the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.

By the Numbers

6,182 Ontarians registered for AMO's Healthy Democracy workshops.

179 municipalities had one or more council positions acclaimed in 2022.

548 council positions were acclaimed in 2022, up from 477 in 2018.

32 municipal councils were fully acclaimed in 2022, up from 26 in 2018.

6,306 candidates ran in the 2022 municipal elections, down from 6,658 in 2018.

Additional municipal election statistics are available on AMO's website here.