Jump In to Vote: Get ready to vote in the 2026 Municipal Election

By City of Kawartha Lakes - Jun 16, 2026

Kawartha Lakes – The 2026 Municipal Election is just a few months away, and now is the perfect time to make sure you’re ready to vote.

If you’ve moved, changed your name, are a tenant, are voting for the first time, or simply aren’t sure if you’re on the Voters’ List, now is the time to check. Since the 2026 Municipal Election Voters' List is new (as this is the first Municipal Voters' List prepared by Elections Ontario) we recommend all electors check to make sure their voter information and mailing address are accurate. Updating your information only takes a few minutes and can help avoid delays when voting begins this fall.

To check, update or add your information to the Voters' List, visit RegisterToVoteON.ca or call 1-866-242-3025.

Voting will be open from 9am on Friday, October 16 until 8pm on Monday, October 26, 2026. You will be able to vote by internet or telephone from the comfort of home, the cottage, or wherever you happen to be during the voting period.

If you do not have access to a touch-tone telephone, or internet at your home, voting assistance will be available at all Kawartha Lakes Service Centre, or select Kawartha Lakes Library Branches during regular business hours, and use their touch-screen kiosk or public-access computers.

All eligible voters will receive a voting PIN letter by mail before voting opens. A full list of Candidates can be found at www.kawarthalakes.ca/candidateslist. Nominations close on August 21, 2026 at 2pm.

Who can vote?

Not sure if you're eligible to vote? You may be able to vote if you:

Live in Kawartha Lakes
Own or rent property in Kawartha Lakes
Are a Canadian citizen
Are at least 18 years old

Renters: You do not need to own property to vote in a municipal election. If you or your spouse rent a home, apartment or other residential property in Kawartha Lakes, you may be eligible to vote here.

Voting more than once?

Many people are surprised to learn that they may be eligible to vote in more than one municipal election. You can only vote once within each municipality, regardless of how many properties you own there.

Cottage owners: If you have a cottage or seasonal property in Kawartha Lakes, but live permanently in another municipality, you can vote in both municipalities. You can vote where you live full-time and also where you own or rent property.

Students: If Kawartha Lakes is your permanent home, but you attend school in another municipality, you may be eligible to vote in both places.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, visit RegisterToVoteON.ca or www.kawarthalakes.ca/election.

Why should I vote?

Municipal elections may not get the same attention as provincial or federal elections, but they have a big impact on everyday life right here in Kawartha Lakes.

Whether you've lived here your whole life, recently moved here, rent your home, own a cottage, or are just starting out as a first-time voter, your perspective matters. Every vote helps ensure Council reflects the people and communities it serves.

The Mayor and Council elected this October will make decisions about services we rely on every day, including:

Roads, snow clearing and transit
Waste collection, water and wastewater
Parks, recreation, and community spaces
Fire services, emergency response, and local safety
Local planning development and housing

Local decisions shape what Kawartha Lakes will look like not just next year, but five, ten and twenty years from now. Voting is your opportunity to help influence that future.

Voting is quick, convenient and an important way to have your say in the future of Kawartha Lakes. No matter where you live in Kawartha Lakes, how long you've called it home, or whether you're a resident, renter, student or cottage owner, we encourage you to take part in this year's municipal election.

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