Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Ontario municipal elections, marking the start of the race for mayoral, council, and school trustee positions across the province. Candidates have until August 21 to submit their nomination papers to their respective municipal clerks, with voting set for October 26.
In Toronto, the mayoral contest is already beginning to take form. Brad Bradford is set to formally launch his campaign, becoming one of the first prominent candidates to enter the race. The Beaches–East York councillor is expected to register at City Hall as he positions himself as a challenger in what could become a closely watched contest.
Incumbent mayor Olivia Chow is widely expected to seek a second term, although she has yet to make an official announcement. Her decision will likely shape the dynamics of the race, particularly if the field remains limited or expands in the coming months.
To qualify, candidates must complete nomination forms, pay the required filing fee, and submit at least 25 endorsement signatures from eligible voters, with some exceptions depending on the position. Campaign fundraising and spending can only begin once nomination papers are officially filed.
In addition to candidates, individuals, corporations, and trade unions can now register as third-party advertisers, with a deadline set for October 23.
Eligibility rules allow Ontarians to vote in a municipality if they reside there, own or rent property, or are the spouse of someone who does. The opening of nominations signals the beginning of a critical municipal election cycle, particularly in Toronto, where leadership and policy direction will be closely scrutinized in the months ahead.
