Members of Council are responsible for representing residents, setting municipal policies and making decisions about local services and programs.
Learn more about the responsibilities of elected officials and various levels of government:
Candidate Information
If you are running for municipal office in the Township of Wilmot, the following information and resources will help you understand the nomination process and campaign requirements.
Key dates for candidates
Nomination period opened May 1, 2026
Nomination day August 21, 2026
Online voting begins October 16, 2026
Election Day October 26, 2026
Financial statements filing date December 31, 2026
Offices to be elected
The following offices will be elected during the 2026 municipal election:
- Mayor
- Township councillors
- School board trustees
Wilmot Township Council is made up of five ward councillors and a mayor. The mayor serves as Wilmot's regional councillor at the Region of Waterloo.
View a ward map of Wilmot Township.
To be a candidate, you must be:
- A Canadian citizen
- At least 18 years old
- Living in Wilmot, or own or rent property here, or are the spouse of an owner or tenant in Wilmot
- Not legally prohibited from voting
- Not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office
Resources
Nomination period
- Opened: May 1, 2026
- Closed: August 21, 2026 at 2 pm
Candidates had to submit the required forms, identification and nomination fee at the time of filing.
Nomination fee
There is a $200 nomination fee for mayoral candidates and a $100 nomination fee for councillors.
The nomination fee had to be paid when nomination papers were filed.
The filing fee is not considered a campaign expense, but rather, a personal expense, and will be returned to you upon successful filing of your campaign financial statement.
Nomination forms
Candidates are responsible for managing campaign finances in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act. The Act outlines requirements related to:
- Campaign period
- Campaign bank accounts
- Contributions to a campaign
- Spending limits
- Financial reporting requirements
Resources
- Financial Statement – Auditor’s Report, Candidate – Form 4
- Notice of Financial Statement Filing Requirements – Mayor
- Notice of Financial Statement Filing Requirements - Councillor
- Letter to a Financial Institution
- Preliminary Certificate of Maximum Campaign Expenses
- Notice of Penalties and Corrupt Practices
Candidates are responsible for complying with Township policies and by-laws related to election activities.
Relevant documents include:
- 2026 Municipal Election Procedures
- Region of Waterloo - Notice of Police Record Check (candidates for Mayor)
- Withdraw Nomination Form (blank)
- Appoint Scrutineer (blank)
- Candidate’s Nomination Sign-Off
- Sign By-Law
- Sign By-Law Fact Sheet
- Use of Municipal Resources During an Election Policy
- Use of Municipal Resources During an Election Policy Highlights for Township Employees
- Municipal Election Recount Policy
- Code of Conduct
- Social Media Directive
- 2026 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan