Candidate Information

Notice is given to the Municipal Electors of the Township of Howick that Nominations for the following offices may be made by completing and filing the prescribed forms accompanied by the prescribed nomination filing fee in the Office of the Clerk, 44816 Harriston Road, Gorrie.

Township of Howick Council:

• Reeve - One (1) to be elected at large
• Deputy Reeve - One (1) to be elected at large
• Councillor - Three (3) to be elected at large

The filing fee of $100 for Deputy Reeve, Councillor or School Board Trustee and $200 for Reeve, is payable by cash, certified cheque, money order or Interac.  A nomination must be signed by the candidate and filed in person or by agent during regular business hours between May 1, 2026 to August 20, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and between 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day). 

Electors are hereby given notice that if a greater number of candidates are certified than are required to fill the said offices, then voting will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026.

• Nomination for the 2026 municipal election opens on Friday, May 1, 2026. Nomination paperwork must be filed with the Clerk by 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026.
• Candidates are required to make an appointment to file their nomination as well as pay a fee of $100 ($200 for head of council). Contact deputyclerk@howick.ca or 519-335-3208 ext. 9 to book an appointment.
• Eligible candidates for municipal elections must be:
  • A Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old
  • A resident of the municipality, a non-resident owner or tenant of land in the municipality, or the spouse of such non-resident owner or tenant
  • Not legally prohibited from voting and not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office.
• For more information on how to become a candidate, please view our Candidate Information Package.  This guide is intended to provide candidates with general information on running for office. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they are familiar with the requirements of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 and should consult the Act for complete information and legislative requirements. 

Since Howick Township has fewer than 4,000 electors, Candidates do NOT have to submit endorsement signatures with their nominations. 

A candidate may file their nomination papers between May 1, 2026 and August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. 

A potential candidate must file nomination papers prior to receiving any campaign contributions and/or expending any funds on a campaign.

Nomination papers are available below or from the Clerk's Department. You must file in person at the Municipal Office at 44816 Harriston Road, Gorrie. The nomination form must have original signatures and may not be faxed, mailed or emailed. You must make an appointment with the Clerk or Deputy Clerk in advance as each candidate is required to take a declaration which must be made in front of a Commissioner of Oaths. To complete the nomination process, the following must be provided to the Clerk:

2026 Municipal Election Nomination Package

• Nomination Paper - Form 1
• Declaration if Qualifications  - Form EL18(A)
• Declaration of Proper Use of Voters' List - Form TI1
• Notice of Collection/Consent to Release Personal Information - Form LC02
• Identification
• Filing Fee:
  • The filing fee of $200 for Reeve, or $100 for Deputy Reeve or Councillor, is payable by cash, certified cheque, money order or Interac. Personal cheques will not be accepted.

The following forms will be provided to all candidates once their Nomination forms have been filed:

• LC23 - Estimated Maximum Campaign Expenses
• LC24 - Estimated Maximum Amount of Contributions Own Campaign
• TI12 - Notice of Penalties - Candidates
• Form 4 - Financial Statement - Auditor's Report - Candidates
• EL19 - Withdrawal of Nomination

A paper copy of the 2026 Municipal Election Candidate Nomination Package is available from the Clerk's Department. Candidates should NOT sign these forms until during their meeting with the Clerk or Deputy Clerk. To make an appointment to meet with the Clerk or Deputy Clerk, please contact 519-335-3208 ext. 9 or deputyclerk@howick.ca. 

Candidates who have filed their Nomination Papers for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election will appear on the Unofficial List of Candidates (non-certified) below during the nomination period between May 1, 2026 and August 21, 2026 (at 2pm). 

Following the close of the nomination period, the Clerk will review all nominations and prepare a Certified List of Candidates, and declare any candidates acclaimed, if necessary.

Candidates are listed in order of filing date and time. Candidates will be listed on the ballot by office, in alphabetical order.

The Unofficial List of Candidates (non-certified) is also available for viewing at the Howick Township Municipal Office during regular business hours M-T (8:30 am - 4:30 pm) F (8:30-4:00 p.m.) For more information, please contact the Clerk’s Department at 519-335-3208 Ext. 2

May 1, 2026 – Nomination Period Begins
Upon filing, candidates will be provided with a Candidate Nomination Package, including:
•    A certificate of the applicable interim maximum amount of expenses.
•    A certificate of the applicable interim maximum amount of contributions to a candidate’s own election campaign.
•    A certificate of the applicable interim maximum amount for parties, etc. after voting day. 
•    A notice of the penalties related to campaign finances and the refund of the nomination filing fee. 
•    A link to the copy of the Telephone and Internet Voting Clerk’s Election Procedures Manual and Forms established for any voting and vote-counting equipment, or alternative voting method.

Candidates can start incurring expenses once the above certificates have been issued.

May 1, 2026 – Third Party Advertiser Registration Period Begins
Upon registering, Third Party Advertisers will be provided with a Third Party Advertiser Registration Package, including:
•    A certificate of the applicable maximum amount of expenses. 
•    A certificate of the applicable maximum amount for parties, etc. after voting day.
•    A notice of the penalties related to third party advertiser finances 

Third Party Advertisers can start incurring expenses once the above certificates have been issued.

June 24, 2026 – Candidate Information Session
The Clerk’s of Huron County are organizing a joint Candidate Information Session. This meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Libro Hall in Clinton, ON.

August 21, 2026 - Nomination Day
On Nomination Day, nominations may only be filed between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

August 21, 2026 - Withdrawal Deadline
A candidate who wishes to withdraw their nomination must notify the Clerk in writing using the prescribed form before 2:00 p.m.

August 24, 2026 – Clerk Certifies List of Candidates and Declares Acclamations
All nominations to be examined and certified by 4:00 p.m. and the Clerk will declare the candidate(s) elected by acclamation.

September 1, 2026 – Voters’ List Reproduction and Revision Period Begins
Last day for reproducing the Voters’ List and determining the revision procedures. On written request, the Clerk shall provide copies of the Voters’ List to those referred to under subsection 23(3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. 

On written request, the Clerk shall provide candidates with a copy of the part of the Voters’ List that contains the names of the electors who are entitled to vote for that office. From September 1 until the close of voting on Voting Day (8:00 p.m. on October 26), a person may submit an application to have their name added to or removed from the Voters’ List, or to have their information on the Voters’ List amended. From September 1 until the close of voting on Voting Day (October 26), a person may submit an application requesting that a deceased person’s name be removed from the voters’ list. For more information, please contact deputyclerk@howick.ca 

September 30, 2026 - Interim List of Changes to the Voters’ List
The Clerk shall prepare and distribute an interim list of the changes to Voters’ List that were approved between September 1 and September 20 on or before September 30, 2026.

October 13, 2026 - Voting Opens
Telephone and Internet voting will open. The Voter Help Centre will be available on the following days at the below dates and times: 
Howick Township Municipal Office, 44816 Harriston Road, Gorrie, ON N0G 1X0
•    Tuesday, October 13, 2026 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
•    Mondays through Thursdays from Wednesday, October 14th to Thursday, October 22, 2026 during regular office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)  
•    Friday, Octobeer 16, 2026 and Friday, October 23, 2026 during regular office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)    
Monday, October 26, 2026 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

October 23, 2026 – Third Party Advertisers Registration Deadline
Last day for third party advertisers to file their notice of registration by 4:30p.m.

October 26, 2026 – Voting Day
Last day for voting. The Telephone and Internet voting polls will close for the 2026 Election at 8:00 p.m.

October 26, 2026 – Declaration of Election Results by the Clerk
As soon as possible, the Clerk will declare the results of the election. The results of the election will be calculated and released to the public as soon as possible after 8:00 p.m. at the Howick Township Council Chambers (44816 Harriston Road, Gorrie).

November 5, 2026 – Joint Council Orientation Session
The Clerk’s of Huron County are organizing a joint Council Orientation Session for new and returning Members of Council.

November 17, 2026 – Inaugural Meeting of Council
The Inaugural Meeting of Council for the 2026-2030 term of office will be held at 10:00 a.m. The new Council will take their oath of office, and be sworn in.

November 25, 2025 - Inaugural Meeting of Huron County Council

December 31, 2026 – End of Election Campaign Period
The election campaign period ends. Contributions may not be made to or accepted by a Candidate or third party nor expenses incurred outside the campaign period.

March 30, 2027 – Deadline to File Financial Statement
Deadline for candidates and registered third parties to file their initial financial statements and auditor’s reports.

• A Candidates campaign period begins on the date that Nomination papers are filed with the Clerk/CAO
• A Candidates campaign period ends on December 31, 2026 unless the nomination is withdrawn, the candidate was not certified, or the campaign is extended to pay down a deficit.
• Candidates must open a bank account if they accept any contributions (including money from themselves) or incur any expenses.
• The Nomination fee is considered to be a personal expense, not a campaign expense.
• All contributions must be deposited into the campaign bank account. All expenses must be paid out from the same account.
• Inventory from previous campaigns (i.e. signs) used in the 2026 campaign, must be reported using the current market value as a contribution to their campaign.
• Likewise, reusable campaign materials must be valued and reported as closing inventory.
• If a candidate uses their credit card for purchases, they should make sure they keep clear, defendable records showing that the expense was reimbursed from the campaign account.
• The Clerk will calculate the maximum amount of campaign expenses that each candidate may incur and will provide a final "Certificate of Maximum Campaign Expenses - Candidates" form to the candidate on or before September 30, 2026.

• English Public - Avon Maitland District School Board Trustee (North Huron/Howick/Morris-Turnberry) – one (1) to be elected
  • The Township of North Huron is responsible for conducting the election for the municipalities of North Huron, Howick, and Morris-Turnberry. For more information, contact vote@northhuron.ca
• English Separate - Huron Perth Catholic District School Board Trustee – one (1) to be elected
  • The Town of Goderich is responsible for conducting the election for the municipalities of North Huron, Central Huron, Goderich, Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, Morris-Turnberry, and Howick. For more information, contact vote@goderich.ca
• French Public - Conseil Scolaire Viamonde Trustee – one (1) to be elected
  • The City of London is responsible for conducting the election for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, and the Counties of Wellington, Middlesex, Perth and Huron. For more information, contact elections@london.ca
• French Separate - Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence Trustee – one (1) to be elected
  • The City of Sarnia is responsible for conductting the election for the Counties of Perth, Grey, Huron, Bruce and Lambton. For more information, contact clerks@sarnia.ca  

The filing fee of $100 for School Board Trustee and is payable by cash, certified cheque, money order or debit machine. A nomination must be signed by the candidate and filed in person or by agent at the above-mentioned offices during regular business hours between May 1, 2026 to August 20, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and between 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day). 

Electors are hereby given notice that if a greater number of candidates are certified than are required to fill the said offices, then voting will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026.

Campaign Advertising & Signs - Refer to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 - Section 88.3

• All election signs and campaign advertisements, including third party advertising must adhere to the provisions of the Township of Howick Election Sign By-law (By-law No. 32-2026)
• Election signs are not permitted to be placed earlier than the day all nominations have been certified by the Clerk/CAO of the Township. Nominations will be certified by the Clerk/CAO before 4:00 p.m. on the Monday following Nomination Day (August 24, 2026) or, if the number of nominations filed for an office and certified is less than the number of persons to be elected to the office, those additional nominations will be certified before 4:00 p.m. on the Thursday following Nomination Day (August 27, 2026).
• No person shall Place or permit to be Placed an Election Sign on or in a Voting Place or Public Property. Election campaigning or the distribution or posting of election campaign material at municipally owned property or leased facilities is not permitted. No person shall display on any Election Sign a logo, trademark or official mark, in whole or in part, owned or licensed by the Municipality.
• All election signs, banners, or posters shall be removed within seventy-two hours after the polls close on Election Day.
• Election signs or similar campaign material that will be installed or affixed to the Ministry of Transportation road system or the County of Huron road system will require the permission of these respective approval authorities.
• The Municipality or any of its municipal servants, employees or agents will not be responsible for investigating or prosecuting for any acts of vandalism to the posters or campaign material of the candidates.

The Role of Council
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has published a document called, "The Municipal Councillor's Guide." This guide provides an overview of the many duties and challenges elected officials at the municipal level face.

• Reeve
  The Municipal Councillor's Guide is the source of this abbreviated description for the role of head of Council, which in the Township of Howick is referred to as the Reeve:
• To act as the municipality's chief executive officer;
• To preside over council meetings such that business is carried out both efficiently and effectively;
• To provide leadership to the council;
• To provide information/recommendations to council on policies, practices, procedures, to ensure transparency and accountability; and,
• To represent the municipality at official functions
• The Township of Howick does not have designated Strong Mayor powers at this time, with a council consisting of less then 6 members of council.
  
  Deputy Reeve
  The Municipal Councillor's Guide is the source of this abbreviated description for the role of Deputy Head of Council, which in the Township of Howick is referred to as the Deputy Reeve:
• To support the Reeve in fulfilling the duties of the chief executive officer of the municipality;
• To act in place of the Reeve in their absence, including presiding over council meetings to ensure business is carried out efficiently and effectively;
• To assist in providing leadership to council;
• To contribute to the development and sharing of information and recommendations to council on policies, practices, and procedures, ensuring transparency and accountability; and,
• To represent the municipality at official functions and community events, as required.
  
  Councillors
  This abbreviated description for the role of Councillor is based on the Municipal Councillor's Guide:
• To represent the public and to consider the well-being and interests of the municipality;
• To develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the municipality;
• To determine which services the municipality provides;
• To maintain the financial integrity of the municipality;
• To ensure that administrative policies practices are in place to implement the decisions of council; and,
• To ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality.
• Municipal Councillors also sit as members of a number of Advisory Committees. These committees provide Council with recommendations. As a member of municipal council, you would be required to attend meetings of the Committees on which you are a member, and also to attend meetings of the full Municipal Council.