Elections
The 2026 Municipal and School Board elections are nearly here! Voting Day is on October 26, 2026, but Woodstock voters will also be able to vote in advance polls on October 10 & October 13-16, as well as online through a personal internet-connected device anywhere and anytime from October 10-25.
New for 2026
There are a couple of things that will be new starting in the 2026 election:
Online voting
For the 2026 election, voters will have the option to vote online. Eligible electors will receive information in the mail in advance of the election inviting them to register to vote online if that is their preferred voting method. Traditional in-person voting will also remain available for those who prefer to go to a polling station.
Deputy Mayor position
Previously, Woodstock voters elected a Mayor, two City-County Councillors and four City Councillors. Each year, Council would appoint an acting mayor to fill in for the mayor when they were unavailable. Starting with the 2026-2030 term of Council, electors will vote for a dedicated Deputy Mayor-County Councillor who will fill that role for the term of council.
Voters' list
Municipal elections will use the Elections Ontario Voters' List, starting in 2026. You can visit www.registertovoteon.ca to confirm or add your information to the voters list. Information on how to update your school support designation will be uploaded to the City's website shortly.
Get ready to vote
Here is how you can prepare for the next municipal election:
- Make sure you’re on the Voters' List
- Learn more about the services provided by the different levels of government
- Watch City or County Council meetings – in person or online www.cityofwoodstock.ca/agendasandminutes or www.oxfordcounty.ca/council
- Familiarize yourself with the City’s strategic priorities www.cityofwoodstock.ca/strategicpriorities
- Learn more about the City’s and County’s budgets www.cityofwoodstock.ca/budget or www.oxfordcounty.ca/budget
- Review the 2026 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Voters' Guide
Election Accessibility Plan
The 2026 Election Accessibility Plan explains how the City is working to make elections more accessible for voters and candidates with disabilities. The Plan is a living document that is updated based on feedback from people with disabilities and the community at large. It also builds on the recommendations from the 2022 Election Accessibility Report.
Making elections accessible to everyone is a key responsibility of the City Clerk’s Office. We are committed to learning and improving, and to identifying and removing barriers so that people with disabilities can fully participate in Woodstock’s municipal elections.
Elector Campaign Contribution Limits
If you are considering supporting a candidate in the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, it’s important to be aware of the contribution limits set out in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.
Contributors may give:
- No more than $1,200 to any one candidate; and
- No more than $5,000 total to two or more candidates running for office on the same council or local board.
Contributors are responsible for ensuring they remain within these limits. Candidates must also inform contributors of these rules and record all contributions on the financial statement they submit following the election.
Any contributor who exceeds the limits will have their name sent to the Compliance Audit Committee, which will determine whether to commence legal proceedings.
Additional Information
Municipal and school board elections in Ontario are governed by the Municipal Elections Act. The current term of Council began on Nov. 15, 2022.
For further information about municipal and school board elections, please visit the Ministry of Municipal Affairs Election webpage or email MEA.info@ontario.ca.
Municipal Election News
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