Municipal Elections
The municipal and school board elections takes place on October 26, 2026
Under the Municipal Elections Act, the City Clerk is responsible for conducting municipal elections. The Clerk will oversee all aspects of the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election in accordance with the Act and other applicable legislation.
Key Dates — 2026 Municipal Election
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| May 1 | Nomination period begins |
| August 21 at 2 p.m. | Nomination Day — last day to file or withdraw a nomination |
| August 24 at 4 p.m. | Nominations certified |
| October 6 to 9 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
Advanced voting — Civic Square, 60 East Main Street |
| October 17 to 25 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Advanced voting — Seaway Mall, Welland Public Library, 800 Niagara Street |
| October 23 | Last day for third-party advertisers to file their notice of registration |
| October 26 | Voting Day |
| March 30 | 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.
Other information
Since 1968, the City of Welland 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 used for the 2026 election.
In the 2022 election, the City introduced open polling locations, allowing voters to cast their ballot at any polling place instead of being assigned to a specific location based on their ward. This approach will continue for the 2026 Municipal Election. Voters will be able to choose any one of the eight polling locations on voting day, regardless of where they live in the city.
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 in the coming weeks.
Available soon:
Details regarding available positions and the application process will be updated in the coming months.
Please check back for further information on election worker roles and how to apply.
Important information:
Municipal elections are administered by the City Clerk, who acts as the Returning Officer under the authority of the Municipal Elections Act. If you have any questions regarding the information on this website, please call 905-735-1700 or email elections@welland.ca
PAST ELECTIONSContact
- Office of the City Clerk
- Civic Square,
60 East Main St., Welland, ON L3B 3X4 - 905-735-1700
- election@welland.ca
- Accessible customer service feedback form