Key Dates

The following are key dates in the 2026 Municipal Election.

Friday, May 1, 2026

First day to file a nomination for an office on Stratford City Council or school board trustee during regular business hours.

First day to file a notice of registration as a third party advertiser.

Nomination Day, Friday, August 21, 2026 (9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)

Deadline for candidates to:

• file a nomination; or
• withdraw a nomination.
  
  

Friday, August 21 – November 14, 2026

First possible lame duck period. Lame duck is in effect should less than three-quarters of the existing Members of Council seek re-election.

Monday, August 24, 2026 by 4:00 p.m.

Deadline for the City Clerk to certify candidate nominations by signing the nomination paper if satisfied that a person is qualified to be nominated and that the nomination complies with the Municipal Elections Act.

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Revision period begins for the Voters’ List. This is also the last day to reproduce the voters’ list and set out any revision procedures.

Voters' list is made available to all candidates.

Friday, September 11, 2026

First day in accordance with Sign By-law 159-2004 that election signs may be displayed by a candidate or registered third party advertiser.

Friday, October 16 at 10:00 a.m.

Voting Period begins and runs until 8:00 p.m. on Voting Day (October 26, 2026).

Friday, October 23, 2026

Last day for third party advertisers to file a notice of registration.

Voting Day, Monday, October 26, 2026

Eligible electors can vote via internet or telephone up until 8:00 p.m.

Monday, October 26 – November 14, 2026

Second possible lame duck period. Lame duck is in effect should less than three-quarters of the outgoing Council be re-elected.

Tuesday, November 15, 2026

New term of office begins.

Monday, November 16, 2026

Inaugural Council Meeting (subject to change - last possible date to hold meeting is December 16, 2026).

Monday, January 25, 2027

Last day to make the Accessibility Report about the identification, removal, and prevention of barriers that affect electors and candidates with disabilities available to the public.

Tuesday, March 30, 2027 by 2:00 p.m.

Deadline for candidates and registered third parties to file their initial financial statements and auditor's reports.

Thursday, April 29, 2027 by 2:00 p.m.

Last day for candidates and registered third parties to file their initial financial statements and auditor's reports with a $500 late filing fee.

Wednesday, June 30, 2027

Last day of the extended campaign period for candidates and registered third parties that extended their campaign.

Friday, September 24, 2027 by 2:00 p.m.

Deadline for candidates and registered third parties to file their supplementary financial statements and auditor's reports.

Monday, October 25, 2027 by 2:00 p.m.

Last day for candidates and registered third parties to file a supplementary financial statement and auditor's report with a $500 late filing fee.