Municipal elections are an opportunity to help shape the future of our community. They influence the services we rely on, how public money is spent, and whether people have access to the supports they need.
How to Vote in the Upcoming Municipal Election
Each eligible voter should receive a Voters Information Letter in the mail. This letter contains a personal PIN, the list of candidates, and instructions for voting online or by phone. These letters should arrive by October 9. If yours does not arrive by that date, contact your municipal office.
Please note: The information below applies to municipalities in Huron County only. Some municipalities offer advance polling for a few days before voting closes temporarily and reopens on October 26. Be sure to check the voting dates for your municipality.
Voting opens October 13, 2026 at 9:00 AM and closes on October 26, 2026 at 8:00 PM. You can vote online or by phone using the personal PIN from your Voters Information Letter. If you are in need of assistance to vote, each municipality offers voter help desk days throughout the month.
If you’re not sure who to vote for, that’s okay! Learning about candidates is a great place to start. You can explore their positions on social media, attend or watch a recording of an All Candidates Meeting, or connect with candidates at a local meet-and-greet event. Consider what matters most to you, your family and your community, and which candidates’ priorities align with those concerns.
You can find more information on each municipality (help desk hours, office location and phone number if you did not receive your letter by October 9, list of candidates, etc.) at the links below:
Why Municipal Elections Matter
Municipal government might not always be top of mind, but its decisions impact our everyday lives. Local leaders help determine which services are available, how community spaces are maintained, and how public funds are allocated. These choices have a real impact on the safety and well-being of individuals and families.
Municipal governments are responsible for many of the services we rely on daily, including:
- Local roads, sidewalks and bridges
- Emergency services
- Parks, arenas and recreation facilities
- Drinking water and wastewater services
- Waste management
- By-law enforcement
- Building permits
Mayors and deputy mayors also represent their municipalities on Huron County Council, where decisions are made about services such as:
- Social services
- Affordable housing
- Homelessness programs
- Emergency management
- Planning and zoning
- Library services
These decisions affect more than roads and recreation. Access to affordable housing, safe community spaces, and social supports can influence whether people feel secure and have the resources they need.
Your Voice Can Make a Difference
Voting is an important first step, but getting involved doesn’t have to stop there. You don’t need to be an expert in politics or know everything about municipal government to have a say in your community.
You can start small: vote for the candidates whose priorities reflect your concerns, share information with a neighbour, ask a candidates a question, or contact your elected representative about an issue that matters to you. Community change can start when people speak up about something they care about.
One issue worth asking candidates about is their approach to gender-based violence (GBV) and support for the services that help women and families find safety.
Gender-based violence affects our whole community. Its impacts are felt in our homes, schools, workplaces, healthcare services and community organizations. In rural communities like Huron County, barriers such as long distances, limited transportation, and a shortage of affordable housing can make it even harder for someone to leave an unsafe situation and rebuild their life.
While responsibility for funding these services is shared across different levels of government, municipal leaders can play a role by considering women’s experiences in local decisions, supporting community partnerships, and advocating for sustainable funding.
We’ve prepared a letter you can send to municipal election candidates to ask about their position on supporting GBV services in our community. You can personalize the letter, send it to one candidate or several, and ask how they would use their role to help address gender-based violence.
Every voice matters and every step counts. Whether this is your first time voting or you’ve participated in many elections, your perspective has value. By taking part in this municipal election, you can help shape a community that is safer, more equitable and better able to support all its residents.