- Thursday, Oct. 8 at 9 a.m. and will remain open until Monday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.
Elections
Voting Opens October 8 in Ramara!
Important: Paper ballots will not be available on Voting Day, Monday, Oct. 26. Electors voting on Voting Day can cast their ballot online or by telephone until 8 p.m.
Voter Registration
Confirm you are on the Voters' List for the Township of Ramara's 2026 Municipal and School Election!
Eligible voters are encouraged to check that their name and information are correct on the Voters’ List. Any additions, changes, or removals can be completed directly with the Township of Ramara.
For convenience, voters can submit an online form to check their information or request a change.
Alternatively, voters can contact the Township by email, phone, or in-person during business hours to assist with any registration inquiries.
Check If You're on the Voters' List Request an Addition, Change, or Removal from the Voters' List
Voter Information Letters (VILs)
Voter Information Letters (VILs) are on their way, to all eligible electors who are on the Voters' List prior to the start of the voting period.
Your VIL contains important information required to cast your ballot, including your unique voter credentials and instructions for voting online or by telephone.
Please keep your VIL in a safe place.
If You Do Not Receive Your VIL by October 8
If you do not receive your Voter Information Letter by October 8, don’t panic. There are several reasons why a VIL may not have arrived, including:
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You are not yet on the Voters' List.
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Your mailing address is incorrect or outdated.
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Your VIL was lost or delayed in transit.
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You recently changed your name or address.
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If your VIL has not arrived, please contact the Township of Ramara Election Office as soon as possible. Election staff can verify your voter eligibility and assist you in obtaining replacement voting credentials if required.
List of Candidates and Third-Party Advertisers
As of 4 p.m. on August 24, 2026, the candidates for Mayor, Council, and School Board Trustee have been certified and will appear on the ballot.
The Township will also maintain a list of registered third-party advertisers. Third-party advertising refers to advertising by individuals or organizations who are not candidates that supports, opposes, or promotes a candidate. Third-party advertising allows non-candidates to express opinions and influence voters on election issues or candidates. Third-party advertisers may continue to register with the Township until October 23, 2026.
Please note that individuals are listed first by office, then alphabetically by last name. Where individuals filing for the same office share the same last name, they are listed alphabetically by first name.
Frequently Asked Questions
2026 Municipal Election Information
The next Municipal and School Board Election will take place Monday, October 26, 2026.
The Clerk is responsible for preparing and conducting the Municipal Election, held every four years, in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected by all eligible electors, while each Councillor is elected by the eligible electors of their respective ward. Elected Council members serve a four-year term. School Board Trustees are also elected at this time.
The current term of Township of Ramara Council is from November 15, 2022, to November 14, 2026.
The next term of Township of Ramara Council is from November 15, 2026, to November 14, 2030.
Election Day: Monday, October 26, 2026
Internet/Telephone Voting: Thursday, October 8 at 9 a.m. until October 26 at 8 p.m.
Advance Voting: Paper Ballots
- Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ramara Administration Building
- Thursday, October 15, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ramara Centre
- Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ramara Centre
Offices to be elected:
- Mayor
- Deputy Mayor
- Ward 1 Councillor
- Ward 2 Councillor
- Ward 3 Councillor
- Ward 4 Councillor
- Ward 5 Councillor
- Trustee - English language public district board #17
- Trustee - English language separate district board #44
- Trustee - French language public district board #58
- Trustee - French language separate district board #64
Authority: Conducted under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996
Who conducts the election: Municipal Elections Coordinator/Clerk
Check Which Ward You Live In
In the Township of Ramara, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected by all eligible electors, while each Councillor is elected by the eligible electors of their respective ward. This means when you cast your ballot, you will be able to vote for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and specific Ward Councillor based on your municipal address.
Ramara has five wards. Learn more about each ward, including the boundaries, and access a map on the Wards webpage.
You can vote in Ramara's 2026 Municipal Election if you are:
- A Canadian citizen; and
- 18 years of age or older; and
- A resident of the Township of Ramara; or
- A non-resident who is, or whose spouse is, an owner or tenant of land in the Township of Ramara; and
- Not prohibited from voting by law
Resident Elector
A resident elector is a person who lives and is eligible to vote in that municipality’s election. A person is only allowed to have one residence. A person’s residence is the permanent lodging place to which, whenever absent, they intend to return.
The following rules apply in determining a person’s residence:
- A person may only have one residence at a time
- The place where a person’s family resides is also their residence, unless they move elsewhere with the intention of changing their permanent lodging place
- If a person has no other permanent lodging place, the place where they occupy a room or part of a room as a regular lodger, to which they habitually return, is their residence
Non-Resident Elector
If a person lives in one municipality but owns or rents property in another municipality, then they are a non-resident elector and able to vote in that municipality’s election.
Spouse and Children of Non-Resident Electors
If a person lives in one municipality and qualifies as a spouse of a non-resident elector, then they are able to vote in that municipality’s election.
Children of a non-resident elector are not permitted to vote in Ramara unless they are a qualified elector at another property.
Trailer Owner in Campgrounds
Trailer owners in campgrounds are tenants of the campground and are potentially eligible electors. Under a timeshare contract, to be eligible, the person must be entitled to use the land on Voting Day, or for a period of six weeks or more during the calendar year in which the election is held.
People Without Housing
Persons without a permanent residence may also qualify to be added to the Voter’s List during the revision period by submitting an application to the Clerk. If a person has no permanent residence or lodging place, the following rules apply in determining their residence:
- The place to which the person most frequently returned to sleep or eat during the five weeks preceding the determination is their residence
- If the person returns with equal frequency to one place to sleep and another to eat, the place to which they return to sleep is their residence
- Multiple returns to the same place during a single day, whether to eat or to sleep, shall be considered one return
- A person’s declaration regarding the places to which they returned to eat or sleep during a given time period is conclusive, in the absence of evidence to the contrary
Students
A person may have residences in two local municipalities at the same time if the person lives in one of the local municipalities in order to attend an education institution but not with the intention of changing their permanent lodging place, and the person’s permanent lodging place is in the other local municipality. Therefore, students can vote in the municipality where they attend school and they can also vote in the municipality where they live.
Online Voting
Online voting will be available from Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 9 a.m. until Monday, October 26, 2026, at 8 p.m.
Eligible electors may vote:
- Anywhere, at any time, using a computer, tablet, or mobile device
- In person at any Voter Assistance Centre, using an election tablet (during operating hours)
- On a public computer at any Township of Ramara Public Library branch (during operating hours)
Note: Paper ballots will NOT be available on Voting Day (October 26).
Paper Ballot Voting (In-Person)
Electors may cast a paper ballot in person at the Ramara Administration Building and Ramara Centre on the following dates:
- October 10, 2026, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ramara Administration Building
- October 15, 2026, 4 to 8 p.m. at Ramara Centre
- October 17, 2026, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ramara Centre
Telephone Voting
Telephone voting will be available from Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 9 a.m. until Monday, October 26, at 8 p.m.
Voters must present acceptable identification in order to receive a ballot.
Your identification must:
- Show your name
- Show your qualifying address
Acceptable Identification
Voters must provide identification that demonstrates:
- Proof of identity (photo identification is acceptable but not required)
- Proof of Canadian citizenship
- Proof of residency in the Township of Ramara, or proof of eligibility as a non-resident elector
A complete list of acceptable identification documents is available on the Government of Ontario website:
Acceptable documents for voter identification – Ontario municipal and school board elections
Only one item of acceptable identification is required. That one item must be an original, certified, or notarial copy and show the person’s name and qualifying address.
If Your Identification Is Incomplete
If your identification does not include all required information, but you are otherwise eligible to vote, you may be required to complete a declaration to confirm your eligibility before being issued a ballot.
If you have questions about acceptable identification or voter eligibility, please contact the Election Coordinator for assistance at election@ramara.ca or 705-484-5374 ext. 256.
The Township of Ramara is committed to ensuring that the 2026 Municipal Election is accessible to all eligible electors. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (as amended), the Township will have regard for the needs of candidates and electors with disabilities and will provide opportunities for full participation in the voting process.
The Township of Ramara is committed to providing accessible voting locations and services for the 2026 Municipal Election. Candidates and electors with disabilities or specific accessibility needs who require additional assistance are encouraged to contact the Election Coordinator at election@ramara.ca or 705-484-5374 ext. 256 in advance of Voting Day.
Can I vote by proxy?
No. Proxy voting is not permitted in the Township of Ramara 2026 Municipal Elections. Electors may vote online or by telephone if they cannot attend in-person voting.
Joint Compliance Audit Committee (CAC)
The County of Simcoe has established a Joint Compliance Audit Committee (CAC) with local municipalities, as required under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.
Purpose of the Committee
Under Section 88.37(1) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, municipalities are required, prior to October 1 in a regular election year, to establish a Compliance Audit Committee.
The CAC’s role is to:
- Consider applications for compliance audits of candidates’ or registered third parties’ campaign finances
- Determine whether a compliance audit is warranted
- Conduct all responsibilities fairly, openly, and responsibly
Committee Composition
The Committee is composed of individuals with backgrounds in:
- Accounting or auditing
- Law or academia
- Election campaign finance or related experience
Committee members are selected based on:
- Knowledge and understanding of municipal election campaign finances
- Analytical and decision-making skills
- Experience serving on committees, task forces, or similar settings
- Strong oral and written communication skills
Term of Appointment
The CAC is established prior to Voting Day, and member appointments take effect on the first day of the new Council’s term.
How to Apply
All interested applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of interest outlining their qualifications to the County Clerk by June 5, 2026.
County of Simcoe
County Clerk
1110 Highway 26
Midhurst ON L9X 1N6
clerks@simcoe.ca
705-726-9300 Ext. 1246
For more information, please visit simcoe.ca/JCAC
We thank all applicants that apply and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The County of Simcoe and local municipalities are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free environment. Accommodation will be provided in all steps of the recruitment process. Please advise the County if you require any accommodations to ensure you can participate fully and equally during the recruitment process.
Personal information gathered through this process is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, and in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56 and will only be used for candidate recruitment and selection.
The Township of Ramara is part of a two-tier municipal system. This means that certain services are delivered by an upper-tier municipality, while others are provided locally.
County of Simcoe (Upper-Tier Municipality)
The County of Simcoe delivers select services on behalf of its lower-tier municipalities, including the Township of Ramara.
The County of Simcoe is comprised of the following local municipalities:
Township of Severn, Town of Penetanguishene, Township of Springwater, Township of Tay, Township of Tiny, Township of Clearview, Town of Collingwood, Township of Essa, Town of Innisfil, Town of Midland, Township of Oro-Medonte, Town of Wasaga Beach, Township of Adjala-Tosorontio, Town of New Tecumseth, and the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.
To learn more about services provided by the County of Simcoe, visit the County’s website.
Information about County of Simcoe Council and its role is also available through the County’s Clerk’s Department.
Township of Ramara Services
The Township of Ramara is responsible for delivering a wide range of local services, including:
- Ramara Fire and Rescue Services
- By-Law Enforcement
- Ramara Public Library
- Parks and Recreation Facilities
- Building and Planning Services
- Local road, trail, and sidewalk maintenance
- Licensing
- Facility rentals
- Water and wastewater services
- And more
Ramara Council
The governing body of the Township of Ramara is Municipal Council.
Ramara Council is made up of seven (7) members:
- One (1) Mayor
- One (1) Deputy Mayor
- Five (5) Ward Councillors
Council is responsible for setting municipal policies and by-laws, approving the municipal budget, and making decisions related to local services. Members of Council are elected for a four-year term.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor also represent the Township of Ramara on County of Simcoe Council.
Candidate and Nomination Information
MMAH 2026 Candidates' Guide AMO Election Resources Corporate Resources For Election Purposes Policy
A Third-Party Advertiser is an individual, corporation, or trade union that has registered with the municipality in order to publish advertisements during the municipal election in support of or in opposition to a candidate
All individuals, corporations, or trade unions that intend to spend money to publish advertisements supporting or opposing a candidate must register with the municipality where they intend to publish advertisements (no cost for registration).
Third-Party Advertisers are subject to expense limits between the date of registration and October 2026 and must file financial statements reflecting their activities during the campaign period.
Advertising and messaging that does not incur costs (e.g. unpaid social media activity) are not considered third-party advertisements and are not subject to these requirements.
Please email or call to arrange your appointment at election@ramara.ca or 705-484-5374 ext. 256. The Clerk, or their designate, will provide the full Third-Party Advertiser package and any additional information during this process.
MMAH 2026 Third-Party Advertisers’ Guide 2026 third-party advertisers’ guide - Ontario municipal council and school board elections
Municipal, school board and registered third-party advertiser election signs within the Township of Ramara must meet the requirements within the Township's Election Sign Bylaw.
Ramara will use a hybrid voting method for the 2026 Municipal Election, allowing electors to vote either in person or online. In-person voting will be available by paper ballot with tabulator on designated advance voting days only: October 10, 15, and 17, 2026. Online voting will be available throughout the full voting period, from October 8 to 26, 2026. For additional information regarding voting procedures, please refer to the procedures outlined below.
Telephone and Internet Voting Procedure
Traditional Paper Ballot Voting and DS200 Tabulator Operations Procedure
These procedures shall be updated as required at the Clerk’s discretion and will distribute notice of amendment(s) as applicable.
Previous Election Results
The 2022 Municipal and School Board Election was held on October 24, 2022. View the official results.
Pursuant to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, Candidate Financial Statements must be filed with the municipal Clerk. The statements filed for the 2022 Ramara Election are listed below.
2022 Candidate Financial Statements
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2022 Third Party Advertisers |
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| Kenneth Jennings |
2024 Ramara By-Election Results
The Township held a by-election to fill the Ward 4 vacancy that was officially declared at the December 11, 2023, Council meeting. The by-election was held on May 13, 2024. View the official results.
Pursuant to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, Candidate Financial Statements must be filed with the municipal Clerk. The statements filed for the 2024 Ramara By-Election are listed below.
2024 |
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