Candidates

If you are thinking about running for office in the City of Cornwall, we encourage you to learn about eligibility requirements, how to file your nomination and financial statements, rules for third party advertisers and what to expect as a candidate.

Click here to view nominated candidates for the 2026 Elections.

Your eligibility

Please review the eligibility requirements to ensure you qualify to run for office in Cornwall.

Who cannot run for office?

You are not eligible to run for municipal or school board office if you are:

• Not eligible to vote in the municipality or school board district
• An employee who has not taken an unpaid leave of absence
• A judge of any court
• A member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP), Federal House of Commons (MP) or Senate (unless you resign by the nomination deadline)
• Serving a sentence in a prison or correctional institution

Filing your nomination

You need to fill out the Nomination Form, which is also available in person from the Office of the City Clerk. Clearly provide your name, address and all other required information. The form must be signed by you (the candidate). Please note that forms you submit cannot be copies and cannot be scanned or submitted electronically, as we need the original signatures. 

Write your name exactly as you want it to appear on the ballot. If you commonly use a different name than your legal first name, you may use it if the City Clerk approves. You can only run for one office at a time. If you decide to run for a different office, your first nomination is considered withdrawn when you file your second nomination.

Withdrawing your nomination

If you decide to withdraw your nomination, you must notify the City Clerk in writing by Friday, August 21st - Nomination Day, no later than 2:00 p.m., using the Withdrawal of Nomination Form. 

You are still required to file a campaign financial statement covering all financial transactions made during your campaign. If your campaign had no financial transactions, you must file a statement reporting this. We will refund your nomination fee if you file your financial statement by the deadline.

Consent to release your contact information

Once you file your nomination, your nomination paper becomes a public record under the Municipal Elections Act. This means anyone can view it at the Office of the City Clerk during regular business hours. If you wish to authorize the Office of the City Clerk to release your contact information, you must complete the Consent to Release Information by Candidate Form, which is also available in person. Please note that you are not required to give this permission.

Acclamations

If only one certified candidate is running for an office by Monday August 24, 2026 - Nomination Day, at the hour of 4:00 p.m., that candidate will be declared elected by acclamation. If the number of certified candidates for councillor is the same as or fewer than the number of seats available, those candidates will be elected by acclamation. For mayor, if only one candidate is certified, that candidate is elected by acclamation.

Making contributions to a candidate’s campaign

If you’re an Ontario resident, you can contribute to a candidate's campaign or to a third party advertiser to help fund their ads. You must follow the limits:

• $1,200 maximum to a single candidate

• $1,200 maximum to a single third party advertiser

• $5,000 total maximum to all candidates running for offices on the same council or school board, and to all third party advertisers registered in the same municipality

These limits include the value of any donated goods or services. It is your responsibility to know the rules and track your donations to avoid going over the limits.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions about running for office? Explore our frequently asked questions to find the answers you need.