Are you interested in running as a candidate in Burlington’s 2026 Municipal Election?

Review the eligibility requirements and learn more about the steps you’ll need to take to get your name on the ballot.

To qualify as a candidate, you must be:

• A Canadian citizen
• At least 18 years old
• A resident in the City of Burlington
• A non-resident of Burlington and you or your spouse own or rent property in the city.

To file your nomination papers, you’ll have to provide identification that shows your name and qualifying address. You must also sign a declaration affirming that you are eligible to run.

Nomination papers must be filed between May 1, 2026 and 2 p.m. on Aug. 21 2026 at the Office of the City Clerk, at City Hall, located at 426 Brant St.

How to file nomination papers?

Nominations can be filed during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) by appointment only. Appointments can be made by contacting 905-335-7777 or email the Clerks Department at clerks@burlington.ca.

When you come for your appointment to file your nomination papers, the following must be submitted:

(Please note: The below nomination forms link to an external website, managed by the Province of Ontario. If you have difficulty downloading a form, please contact clerks@burlington.ca)

• Nomination Paper – Form 1
• Endorsement of Nomination – Form 2
  • Only for nominations of an office on council.
  • A nomination for an office on council must be endorsed by at least 25 eligible electors. A prescribed declaration is required by each of the electors endorsing a nomination.
• Filing fee of $200 for the office of mayor, or $100 for all other offices (payable by cash, certified, cheque, money order to the City of Burlington, MasterCard or Visa)
• Candidate identification (driver’s license or other government-issued photo identification)
• Candidate identification that confirms citizenship (Canadian passport, birth certificate or citizenship card)

You cannot begin campaigning until your nomination papers are filed.

How can I learn more about becoming a candidate?

The City of Burlington will be hosting information sessions for people interested in running for Mayor, City Councillor and School Board Trustee (English/French, public/separate).

Dates and times for these candidate information sessions will be shared on our Candidates news and updates feed.

For more information, you can also review the Ministry of Municipal Affairs Candidates’ Guide and Association of Municipalities of Ontario Lead Where You Live Guide.

Who can I contact for more information or help?

You can contact the Office of the City Clerk at the City of Burlington by:

• Email: candidates@burlington.ca
• Telephone: 905-335-7777