The Town of Ajax has officially released the notice of nominations for the 2026 municipal and school board elections, setting the stage for the upcoming electoral process. Residents interested in running for office can begin filing their nomination papers starting May 1, 2026. This announcement marks the formal commencement of the campaign season for positions including Mayor, Regional Councillor, Local Councillor, and School Board Trustee. This pivotal moment encourages civic engagement and ensures that the community’s leadership reflects the diverse voices of its residents.
Candidates seeking office at the local municipal level or for the English-language school boards must file their nominations in person at the administrative centre, Ajax Town Hall, located at 65 Harwood Avenue South. The available positions cover the town’s three distinct wards, with seats open for both Regional Councillors and Local Councillors in each ward, alongside the high-profile office of the Mayor. These roles are crucial for shaping local policies, from urban planning and community safety to infrastructure development. Additionally, there are trustee positions available for the Durham District School Board and the Durham Catholic District School Board, with two representatives required for each board to serve the educational community effectively.
For those interested in representing the French-language school boards, the process requires travel to a neighbouring municipality within Durham Region. Nominations for Trustee positions with Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil scolaire Catholique MonAvenir must be submitted at Oshawa City Hall, situated at 50 Centre Street South. This procedural detail aligns with the regional coordination for French-language education governance across Durham’s municipalities, ensuring that candidates for these specific boards utilize the centralized facilities available in Oshawa. This centralization streamlines the administrative process for Francophone residents across the region.
Aspiring politicians must adhere to specific procedural requirements to ensure their nominations are validated by the Clerk’s department. The filing period runs weekdays from May 1 to August 20, 2026, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., with a final extension on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Candidates are required to book an appointment online in advance and present a prescribed nomination form completed and signed by the candidate. Current identification proving both identity and a qualifying address within the municipality is mandatory at the time of filing. It is essential for applicants to review all requirements carefully to avoid any delays in their candidacy.
Financial commitments and community support are key prerequisites for nomination. A filing fee of $200 applies to the offices of Mayor and Regional Chair, while all other offices, including Councillor and Trustee roles, carry a fee of $100. These fees are payable by cash, certified cheque, money order, or an electronic payment method specified by the Clerk. Furthermore, individuals running for a seat on the municipal council must submit twenty-five endorsements signed by eligible electors in Ajax. This requirement ensures that candidates have a measurable level of local support before launching their campaigns. Important regulatory rules dictate that candidates cannot receive contributions or incur election-related expenses before their nomination form is officially filed.
Once the nomination period closes, the town will prepare for the general voting period, which is scheduled to take place from October 19 to October 26, 2026. This extended voting window allows residents ample opportunity to cast their ballots for their preferred candidates. Voter participation remains a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, and the Town encourages all eligible residents to mark their calendars for these key dates. The four-year term provides stability and allows elected officials the time necessary to implement their platforms and oversee long-term initiatives. The successful candidates will subsequently serve a four-year term of office, commencing on November 15, 2026, and concluding on November 14, 2030.
Jaclyn Grossi, the Municipal Clerk and Returning Officer for the Town of Ajax, issued the notice on April 21, 2026, inviting all qualified residents to consider participating in the democratic process. For further details regarding the nomination papers or the electoral process, residents are encouraged to visit the Town’s official election website. Inquiries can also be directed to the Election Team via telephone at 365-282-8683 or by email at election@ajax.ca. Staff are available to assist with any questions regarding eligibility or filing procedures.
