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2026 Election Information

Pursuant to section 11 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the Clerk of the local municipality is responsible for conducting elections within that municipality. The City Clerk will oversee all aspects of the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election in accordance with applicable legislation.

Election Date and Offices to Be Elected

The Municipal and School Board Election will be held on: Monday, October 26, 2026

Electors in the City of Welland will be voting for the following offices:

  • 1 Mayor
  • 2 Ward Councillors
  • 2 Regional Councillors
  • 1 School Board Trustee

Voting Method

Since 1968, the City of Welland (the “city’s”) has conducted municipal elections using the paper ballot method. This voting method was successfully used during the 2022 Municipal Election and will continue to be utilized for the 2026 Municipal Election.

Open Polling Locations

During the 2022 Municipal Election, the city implemented open polling locations, allowing electors to vote at any polling location rather than being restricted to a ward-specific poll.

All polling locations for the 2026 Municipal Election will operate as open polls. Electors will have the flexibility to vote at any one of the eight (8) polling locations on Voting Day, regardless of ward.

Key Dates – 2026 Municipal Election

Date Milestone
May 1, 2026 Nomination period begins
August 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. Nomination Day – last day to file or withdraw a nomination
August 24, 2026, at 4 p.m. Nominations certified
TBD Advanced In-Person Voting
October 23, 2026 Last day for third-party advertisers to file their notice of registration
October 26, 2026 Voting Day **
March 30, 2027 Deadline for candidates and registered third parties to file their financial statements

Additional details will be posted on this website prior to the start of the Nomination Period.

Polling Locations

Polling locations for the 2026 Municipal Election are to be determined and will be finalized closer to the election period. Once confirmed, the list of polling locations will be posted on the city’s website.

Ward Boundary Changes

As a result of approved ward boundary changes, some electors will be voting in a new ward for the 2026 Municipal Election. Residents affected by the ward changes will be notified over the coming months.

If you have questions, please email election@welland.ca.


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