As Prince Edward County prepares for the October 26, 2026 election, the window for new leadership is fast approaching. Whether you are running to address the $131M debt, the “zero unit” housing crisis, or the infrastructure deficit, you must follow a strict legal process to get your name on the ballot.
Below are the official deadlines and requirements for the 2026 term.
1. Key Election Deadlines 2026
The nomination period is the only time you can officially register. You cannot raise funds or spend money on your campaign until your paperwork is filed and certified by the Clerk.
- May 1, 2026: Nomination Period Opens. This is the first day you can file your papers and open a campaign bank account.
- August 21, 2026 (2:00 PM): Nomination Day. This is the final deadline to file or withdraw your nomination.
- August 24, 2026: Certification Day. The Clerk officially certifies the list of candidates.
- October 26, 2026: Election Day.
2. Paperwork & Filing Requirements
Nomination papers must be filed in person (or by an agent) at Shire Hall or the designated Clerk’s office. Electronic submissions (email/fax) are not permitted.
- Form 1 (Nomination Paper): The standard provincial form for all candidates.
- Endorsement of Nomination (Form 2): Since PEC has over 4,000 electors, you must collect 25 original signatures from people eligible to vote in the County.
- Pro Tip: Collect 30–35 signatures to ensure you have enough valid ones if some are disqualified.
- Filing Fees: * $200 for Mayor.
- $100 for Councillor.
- Note: This fee is refundable if you file your financial statements on time after the election.
- Identification: You must provide proof of identity and qualifying address (e.g., Driver’s License, Ontario Photo Card, or a property tax assessment).
3. Eligibility: Who Can Run?
You do not need to live in the specific ward you wish to represent, but you must be a “qualified elector” in Prince Edward County.
- Citizen: Must be a Canadian citizen.
- Age: 18 years of age or older.
- Residency: You must be a resident of PEC, OR a non-resident owner or tenant of land in PEC (or the spouse of such an owner/tenant).
- Employment: If you are a municipal employee, you must take an unpaid leave of absence before filing and resign if elected.
4. Council Composition & Ward Structure
The 2026 election will see 14 members elected (1 Mayor and 13 Councillors). Note that some wards have multiple representatives:
| Ward | Name | Seats |
| Ward 1 | Picton | 2 Councillors |
| Ward 2 | Bloomfield/Hallowell | 2 Councillors |
| Ward 3 | Wellington | 1 Councillor |
| Ward 4 | Ameliasburgh | 3 Councillors |
| Ward 5 | Athol | 1 Councillor |
| Ward 6 | Sophiasburgh | 1 Councillor |
| Ward 7 | Hillier | 1 Councillor |
| Ward 8 | North Marysburgh | 1 Councillor |
| Ward 9 | South Marysburgh | 1 Councillor |
5. The “Technical Brain” Checklist
Before filing, potential candidates should be prepared for the following financial responsibilities:
- Bank Account: You must open a separate bank account specifically for your campaign.
- Spending Limits: The Clerk will provide your specific spending limit based on the number of electors in your ward upon filing.
- Financial Statements: Every candidate must file a detailed financial statement by March 30, 2027, even if they spent $0.