MBC News Graphic
There will be more candidates on the ballot in Ontario’s 2026 municipal election compared to four years ago.
According to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, about 6,663 candidates are running for roughly 2,800 elected positions across the province, up from about 6,306 candidates in 2022.
The number of candidates being acclaimed has dropped, with 400 candidates acclaimed this year compared to 548 in 2022.
Locally, South Huron had one candidate acclaimed in 2022, while five candidates were acclaimed in Bluewater and two in Lambton Shores.
During the 2026 election, we have one acclaimed candidate in South Huron, two in Bluewater and three in Lambton Shores.
Across Ontario, 19 municipalities have had their entire councils acclaimed this year, down from 32 municipalities in 2022.
The number of women running has also increased. About 2,103 candidates, or 32 per cent of those running, are women. That compares to 31 per cent in 2022.
The 2026 municipal election will take place on October 26th.
