Nomination deadline for Ottawa's 2026 municipal election is Friday at 2 pm
Candidates for mayor, city council, or school board have until August 21 to file forms and pay filing fees at the Elections Office.
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The deadline to file or withdraw a nomination for the 2026 Municipal Elections is Friday, August 21, at 2 pm. Candidates must file in person at the City of Ottawa's Elections Office (1221 Cyrville Road, Unit B).
To run, candidates must submit a completed Nomination Paper (Form 1) and proof of identity. Candidates for mayor and city councillor must also file an Endorsement of Nomination (Form 2) signed by at least 25 eligible electors; school board trustee candidates are not required to provide endorsements.
Filing fees are $200 for mayor and $100 for city councillor or school board trustee candidates. Payments are accepted by cash, debit, credit card, certified cheque, or money order. Prospective candidates are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling 613-580-2660 or emailing elections@ottawa.ca.
A candidate who has already filed and wishes to change which office they're running for must file new nomination forms by the same deadline. A withdrawal of nomination must be submitted in writing with the candidate's original signature, in person, by 2 pm on August 21. Following the nomination period close, the City Clerk will certify all filed nominations to ensure they meet the Municipal Elections Act requirements by 4 pm on Monday, August 24. The list of certified candidates will be available on ottawa.ca/vote.
The facts
When is the nomination deadline for Ottawa's 2026 municipal election?
The deadline is Friday, August 21, 2026, at 2 pm. Candidates must file in person at the City of Ottawa's Elections Office at 1221 Cyrville Road, Unit B.
What documents do candidates need to submit?
All candidates must submit a completed Nomination Paper (Form 1) and proof of identity. Mayor and city councillor candidates must also provide an Endorsement of Nomination (Form 2) signed by at least 25 eligible electors, but school board trustee candidates do not need endorsements.
How much are the filing fees?
The filing fee is $200 for mayor candidates and $100 for city councillor or school board trustee candidates. Payments are accepted by cash, debit, credit card, certified cheque, or money order.
How can prospective candidates schedule an appointment?
Prospective candidates can call 613-580-2660 or email elections@ottawa.ca to schedule an appointment at the Elections Office.
