How to vote in the 2026 municipal elections
By Lee Griffi
The 2026 municipal elections are here.
While the candidates continue campaigning for votes, residents can complete their ballots now online and by telephone, while in-person voting in Wilmot will be available on election day, Oct. 26, at four locations.
Wilmot Township
The township’s 2026 municipal election is underway, with online voting open now through Oct. 26.
Voter information letters include instructions for voting online. Anyone who did not receive a letter, needs access to a device or requires assistance can visit the voter help centre at the township administration complex in Baden until Oct. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A tablet will be available at the voter help centre for online voting, with election staff onsite to assist.
In-person voting will take place on election day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must cast their ballot at the designated location for their ward:
Ward 1: New Dundee Community Centre at 1028 Queen St., New Dundee
Ward 2: St. Agatha Community Centre at 1791 Erb’s Rd., St. Agatha
Ward 3: Wilmot Recreation Complex at 1291 Nafziger Rd., Baden
Ward 4: Forest Glen Public School at 437 Waterloo St., New Hamburg
A Voter information letter is not required, but it can make in-person voting faster and easier. Voters who did not receive a letter should bring proof of name and address so staff can confirm their eligibility to vote.
To find your ward and voting location, use the interactive tool available at www.wilmot.ca/votinglocation. For more information about the election, visit www.wilmot.ca/elections.
Wilmot has also released an update on voter turnout. As of Oct. 19, 1,133 ballots have been cast, representing 6.24 per cent of eligible voters.
East Zorra-Tavistock
The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT) will once again be using internet and telephone voting for the 2026 municipal election. The voting period started on Oct. 13 and runs until Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.
Eligible electors can vote by internet or telephone any time during the voting period, and can vote from wherever they are, as long as they’re eligible to vote in East Zorra-Tavistock and are on the voters list.
For those who need in-person help or need to submit an application to amend the voters' list, visit the voter assistance centre (VAC) at the township administration building at 89 Loveys St. in Hickson. Help is available until Friday, Oct. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is also open on Election Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The VAC will have staff and technology available for anyone who needs help or doesn’t have access to the necessary technology.
Voters will need their voter instruction letter to vote. If voters haven't received a voter instruction letter, it may mean their address is incorrect, or they are not on the voters' list. Eligible voters can confirm their voter registration status with the Township’s Am I on the Voters' List form at https://form.jotform.com/262304800778256 or by calling 519-462-2697.
For more information, visit www.ezt.ca/township-office/elections/.
As of 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, a total of 919 people have voted in early voting in EZT. That number represents a voter turnout rate of 13.4 per cent so far.
Perth East
All residents of Perth East are encouraged to confirm they are on the voters’ list and that their information is accurate as soon as possible to help ensure a smooth voting experience. To check, update, add, or remove information, visit the municipal office in person with valid identification so the necessary changes can be made.
Voter information letters (VILs) have been mailed. Anyone who hasn’t received a VIL by Oct. 9 should visit the municipal office with valid ID, and the clerk's department can help with issuing a VIL.
The voting period is open until Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.
Perth East residents will be able to vote online at https://pertheast.simplyvoting.com or by telephone at 1-866-402-7179.
There are three voter assistance centres available in the township:
Administration building - 25 Mill St. E., Milverton
Oct. 19-23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Oct. 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Shakespeare Fire Station - 2174 Perth Line 34
Oct. 21 from noon to 8 p.m.
Sebringville Fire Station - 66 Perth Road 130
Oct. 21 from noon to 8 p.m.
Access to free internet and a computer is available at the Perth East Public Library at 19 Mill St. E. in Milverton until Oct. 26 during regular business hours.
More information is available at www.pertheast.ca/council-staff/elections/.
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