Candidate nominations for Toronto’s 2026 municipal election open tomorrow, Friday, May 1 at 8:30 a.m. and close Friday, August 21 at 2 p.m.
Nominations can be filed for the Offices of:
Election day is Monday, October 26.
To complete the candidate nomination process, a person must:
Until a nomination paper is filed, a person cannot raise or spend any money on their campaign. Information about the nomination process, including required forms, is available on the Toronto Elections webpage.
As nominations are filed, the names of uncertified candidates will be posted on the Toronto Elections webpage.
The final list of certified candidates will be available after the close of nominations on Friday, August 21.
An online appointment booking system is available for candidates to reserve a timeslot to file their nomination. Candidates are encouraged to use the booking system to minimize wait times and reduce crowding.
Third party advertiser registration
Any person, corporation or trade union intending to spend money to promote, support or oppose a candidate in Toronto’s municipal election must register as a third party advertiser.
A third party advertiser Notice of Registration must be filed in person at the Toronto Elections City Hall office, located at 100 Queen St. W., first floor, Permit Alley. Registrations can be filed Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding statutory holidays) until Friday, October 23.
The City Clerk must certify the registration before a third party advertiser can spend money on their campaign, accept contributions or begin advertising. Registered third party advertisers must identify themselves on advertisements and comply with requirements under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.
More information about how to register as a third party advertiser is available on the Toronto Elections webpage.
Directions for media
Media interested in covering the first day of candidate nominations and third party advertiser registrations should check in with City of Toronto media relations staff inside the Rotunda at 8 a.m. for early access to Permit Alley and camera set up. After checking in, media will be shown to the designated media area outside the Toronto Elections City Hall office in Permit Alley. Media should contact candidates directly for information on when candidates are planning to file nominations.
Visitors to City Hall, including members of the media, who do not possess a City issued access card must go through the security screening procedure prior to entering the Rotunda and Permit Alley. More information about security screening is available on the City’s Visitor Screening at City Hall webpage.
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