Candidate Information
The Nomination Period for the next Municipal Election opens on Friday, May 1, 2026 and closes on Nomination Day, Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. A Candidate for municipal office must, upon nomination, be a qualified municipal elector in the Township and fulfill the following requirements:
- Live in the Township of South-West Oxford, be an owner or tenant of land in the Township, or the spouse of an owner or tenant;
- Be a Canadian citizen;
- Be at least 18 years old on Voting Day;
- Not legally prohibited from voting or disqualified by any other legislation.
The Municipal Elections Act requires that anyone wishing to run for office as a member of Council submit signatures of at least 25 eligible voters supporting their nomination to run for office.
The campaign period begins when Candidates file their Nomination Papers and officially ends on the date specified (typically a date in January of the following year). Candidates may not accept donations, spend money, or advertise until they file their nomination.
If you are interested in running for office, you are encouraged to view the Candidates' Guide prepared by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Additional information including important dates can be found on AMCTO's Elections Calendar.
More information for Candidates and voters will continue to become available. Questions may be directed to Denny Giles, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk at 519-485-0477 ext. 7027 or via email.
2026 Municipal Election Information Package and Important Dates
Endorsement of Nomination Form 2
Maximum Estimated Campaign Expenses
Declaration of Proper Use of Voters’ List
Freedom of Information Release
Notice of Nomination for Office
Notice of Filing Requirements and Penalties
Roles of Council / Head of Council, Candidates Duties, and Nomination Paper Filing Requirements
Use of Corporate Resources for Election Purposes Policy
AMCTO Candidate’s Guide to Accessible Elections
Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing - 2026 Candidates Information Guide
The following forms are required to be submitted with the Clerk to file your nomination. Nominations must be filed by the date specified by the Clerk during the nomination period.
Below are the forms utilized by Candidates during the 2022 Municipal Election (for reference):
Anyone interested in running for office is encouraged to read the following resources which will provide you with more information on running for office:
Candidates must also have regard to the needs of electors with disabilities. Campaign offices, election materials, and canvassing should all be reviewed in order to ensure that they are fully accessible. The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario has released several quick reference documents to assist Candidates with accessible elections considerations:
Third Party Advertisers are required to register prior to incurring any expenses for the appearance of a Third Party Advertisement, and must comply with the requirements of the Municipal Elections Act including filing a financial statement as well as spending and contribution limits. A registered Third Party Advertiser may be an individual, corporation, or trade union that has registered with the Clerk of the municipality where they want to advertise. If they want to advertise in more than one municipality, they have to register in each municipality they plan to advertise in.
A Third Party Advertisement may be a message in any broadcast, print, electronic, or other medium that has the purpose of promoting, supporting, or opposing a candidate in the election or a question on the ballot. Third Party Advertisements are required to contain the following information:
- Name of the registered Third Party;
- Name of the municipality where the Third Party is registered; and
- Phone number, email address, or mailing address at which the registered Third Party may be contacted regarding the advertisement.
For more information, view the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's 2026 Guide for Third Party Advertisers.
To register in South-West Oxford, the Notice of Registration - Third Party - Form 7 must be filed in-person with the Township of South-West Oxford Clerk at the Township Office located at 312915 Dereham Line, Mount Elgin, ON.