This list of unofficial candidates is provided by the Clerk and will be updated accordingly between May 1, 2026 and August 21, 2026. On Nomination Day, August 21, 2026, after 2:00 p.m. the Clerk shall examine each nomination paper filed and, if satisfied the person is qualified to be nominated and that the nomination complies with the Municipal Elections Act, the Clerk will certify the nomination paper.

MAYOR: One (1) Mayor to be elected.

COUNCILLOR: Four (4) Councillors are to be elected.

The Term of Office is November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030.

There are many important dates that candidates should be aware, please see the list below:

Nomination Period: Friday, May 1, 2026 to Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Nomination Day: Friday, August 21, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. **this date is also the deadline for withdrawal

Campaign Period: Friday, May 1, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026

Voting Day: Monday, October 26, 2026

Council Orientation Session: November 5, 2026

Term of Office: November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030

Financial Filing Deadline: Tuesday, March 30, 2027

Are YOU on the voters list?
Don't assume you are because you've voted before, make sure!

Voters are strongly encouraged to:
1 - check that they are on the municipal voters list for their primary home address, then if applicable
2 - add a property that they or their spouse own in another municipality, and search their Township of Machar address.
Property owners may need to input their drivers license to confirm identity and upload a picture of a bill with a Machar address on it to confirm ownership.

With the transition from MPAC to Elections Ontario for administration of this year's Municipal Election, your place on the voter's list is NOT automatic, residents should also double check their mailing address is on the municipal registry for their Township of Machar property, to ensure a smooth Vote by Mail package delivery.

Voter Registration Final Billing Mailout

Method of Voting

The Council of the Corporation of the Township of Machar approved the continued use of an alternative voting method for the 2026 municipal election. The 2026 election will again occur by mail in vote.

In late September, eligible electors will receive a vote-by-mail kit by mail. The completed ballot may be returned through Canada Post and will include information on the mailing deadline to ensure it is received in time to be counted. Ballots may also be returned to Machar's Municipal Office (73 Municipal Road North) during regular business hours or deposited in the secure 24/7 drop box until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Vote by Mail Instructions Final Billing Mailout

Vote by Mail Kit

Each vote-by-mail kit will contain the following:

•    A Voting Instruction Sheet with a detachable Voter Declaration Form (with bar code);
•    A Composite Ballot;
•    A White Ballot Secrecy Envelope;
•    A Yellow Return Envelope with prepaid postage; and
•    Such other material as the Clerk determines.

Completing and Returning your Ballot

Upon receipt of the Voting Kit, each voter should follow the instructions provided in the Voting Kit exactly as printed. The instructions require the voter to:

•    Complete the ballot;
•    Insert the ballot into the ballot envelope marked “Ballot Secrecy Envelope”;
•    SEAL the Ballot Secrecy Envelope;
•    Complete and sign the Voter Declaration Form. If a voter requires assistance in voting, he/she shall make their mark (i.e. an “x”) on the signature line and have a witness sign in the signature area of the Voter Declaration Form and print their name below;
•    Place the completed Voter Declaration Form and the SEALED Ballot Secrecy Envelope into the yellow prepaid business reply envelope;
•    Seal the yellow prepaid business reply envelope; and
•    Mail the yellow prepaid business reply envelope by the stated deadline or deliver it by some other means to the Municipal Office (Ballot Return Station) no later than 8:00 p.m. on October 26, 2026.

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) has published "Lead Where You Live", a guide to running for municipal council. This guide will introduce you to some of the key steps in that process and it will also give you a sense of what life is like as an elected member of a municipal council.

Check out AMO's Healthy Democracy Leadership Series: Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities - a free online workshop to help you get ready!

Whether you're a current elected official or someone considering a first-time run, this workshop will give you the tools and confidence to lead your community.

It's free to join! Learn more and register at: https://www.amo.on.ca/healthy-democracy/amos-healthy-democracy-leadership-series-supporting-local-leadership-run-2026.

Notice of Nomination Period

Nomination Packages will be available below or in-person at the Municipal Office as of Friday, May 1, 2026. The Nomination Period for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election runs from Friday, May 1, 2026 until 2 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026. It is encouraged that you schedule an appointment to file your nomination papers with the Clerk. Nomination Papers must be filed in-person (by the candidate or agent). Please note that staff will be unable to accept nominations from Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. until Friday, May 8, 2026 at 4:30 p.m., as they will be attending election training at this time.. 

Note: Mandatory Training will occur for all successful candidates on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Attendance is required.

Candidate Qualifications

Qualifications for members of Council are set out in Section 256 of the Municipal Act, 2001 and Section 17 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. In order to run for office in the Township of Machar, a person must be:

• A Canadian citizen;
• At least 18 years old;
• A resident of the Township of Machar or the owner or tenant of land here, or the spouse of such owner or tenant, and
• Who is not disqualified by any legislation from holding office.

The following are ineligible to be elected as Members of Council:

• An employee of the Township of Machar except during an authorized leave of absence (the leave of absence must begin upon filing the Nomination Form).
• A person who is not an employee of the municipality but who is the Clerk, Treasurer, Integrity Commissioner, Auditor General, Ombudsman or Registrar, or who holds any administrative position of the municipality.
• A judge of any of any court.
• A member of the Assembly as provided in the Legislative Assembly Act or of the Senate or House of Commons of Canada.

2026 Municipal Election Information for Candidates

Policy: Use of Corporate Resources

Below are the fillable PDF’s of Nomination Paper Forms for convenience.

• Form 1 – Nomination Paper
• Form 4 – Financial Statement – Auditor’s Report
• Form EL18(A) – Declaration of Qualifications
• Freedom of Information Release

One (1) Mayor and Four (4) Councillors are to be elected. The Term of Office is November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Township to file your nomination papers. Appointments can be scheduled by contacting Angela Loney, Clerk Administrator or Teresa Coombs, Deputy Clerk, at 705-386-7741.

Near North District School Board

The Township of Perry will be the lead municipality. For more information, please visit https://townshipofperry.ca/elections/.

Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board

The Municipality of Powassan will be the lead municipality. For more information, please visit https://www.powassan.net/.

Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l'Ontario

The Municipality of East Ferris will be the lead municipality. For more information, please visit https://eastferris.ca/en/your-government/elections.

Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord

The Municipality of East Ferris will be the lead municipality. For more information, please visit https://eastferris.ca/en/your-government/elections.

Packages to register as a Third-Party Advertiser will be available below or in-person at the Municipal Office as of Friday, May 1, 2026 until end of business day on Friday October 23, 2026. It is encouraged that you schedule an appointment to file your papers with the Clerk. Registrations must be filed in-person. The Advertising Period is restricted from May 1, 2026 to close of voting (8 p.m.) on October 26, 2026. Please note that staff will be unable to accept nominations from Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. until Friday, May 8, 2026 at 4:30 p.m., as they will be attending election training at this time.

2026 REGISTRATION PACKAGE - TBD

Below are the fillable PDF’s of Nomination Paper Forms for convenience.

• Form 7 – Notice of Registration
• Form 8 – Financial Statement – Auditor’s Report Third Party

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Township to file your nomination papers. Appointments can be scheduled by contacting Angela Loney, Clerk Administrator or Teresa Coombs, Deputy Clerk, at 705-386-7741.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and to provide an accessible election, please contact the Municipal Office by August 31, 2026 if you or someone you know requires assistance when placing your vote in the 2026 Municipal Election. The Township of Machar is using Vote By Mail voting for the 2026 Municipal Election.

Who May Vote

Any person who on election day (Monday, October 26, 2026) meets the following qualifications is eligible to vote:

• Is a Canadian citizen;
• Is at least 18 years old on election day;
• Resides in the municipality or is the owner or tenant of land in the local municipality, or the spouse of such a person (non-residential commercial or industrial property electors are not entitled to vote for school board trustees, but are entitled to vote for other municipal offices or questions);
• Not prohibited by law from voting.

Acceptable Documents For Voter Identification

2026 Ontario Voter's Guide

Contribution Limits

Any person who is a resident of Ontario can make a contribution to a candidate’s campaign or contribute to a third-party advertiser to help fund their advertisements.

You may contribute a maximum of $1,200 to a single candidate. You may also contribute a maximum of $1,200 to a third-party advertiser. These amounts include the value of any goods or services donated to the campaign. You may not contribute more than $5,000 in total to candidates running for offices on the same council or school board, or to third party advertisers who are registered in the same municipality. If you buy a ticket to a candidate’s or third-party advertiser’s fundraiser, the cost of the ticket is a contribution.

If you want to contribute to a candidate or third-party advertiser, you should make sure that you know what the contribution limits are and keep track of your donations to ensure that you don’t end up giving more than is permitted.

Groups, such as neighbourhood associations and clubs, or professional associations, such as fire or police associations, are not eligible to make financial contributions to candidates or third-party advertisers. Members may contribute individually.

More information on contribution rules, view the Ontario Voter’s Guide.