York Region Municipal Election 2026
Voting day: Monday, October 26, 2026
28 days to go
How, when and where to vote for mayor, council and school board trustee in all nine York Region municipalities.
Last reviewed September 26, 2026 by the York Happening editorial team. Non-partisan: we do not endorse candidates.
Please verify before you vote. This page, including the FAQ, is maintained on a best-effort basis and we make no guarantees that it is complete, accurate or up to date. Voting information comes from each municipality's official election website and the Province of Ontario's voters' guide; candidate meetings come from their organizers' announcements and local news. Election details can change, so always confirm with your municipality's official election page before you vote.
Ontario's municipal and school board elections are on Monday, October 26, 2026. York Region has nine municipalities - Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora, Whitchurch-Stouffville, King Township, East Gwillimbury and Georgina - and each runs its own election, so the ways to vote differ: all now offer online voting, several let you vote at any polling place, and some voting starts as early as October 9. Every detail below comes from the municipality's official election page, linked on each card. Dates and locations can change, so confirm with your municipality before you go.
How to Vote in Your Municipality
Voting methods, dates and hours from each municipal clerk's 2026 election page.
Markham election 2026: how to vote
Vote online for 11 days, or in person at any voting place in Markham on the last four days.
- Online
- October 16 (10 a.m.) to October 26 (8 p.m.), on any computer, tablet or smartphone. Instructions are in your voter information letter.
- In person, vote anywhere
- October 23 to 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at any Markham voting place (6 locations October 23 to 25, 10 on October 26).
- Special ballot
- Markham Civic Centre, September 28 to October 22, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by appointment.
On the ballot: Mayor, 4 Regional Councillors (city-wide), 8 Ward Councillors, and school board trustees.
Vaughan election 2026: how to vote
Advance voting is online only and needs registration by October 15. Voting day is in person, on paper.
- Online advance vote
- October 9 (12 a.m.) to October 18 (11:59 p.m.). You must register for online voting by Thursday, October 15; you need acceptable ID and a unique email address. Kiosks at every Vaughan Public Libraries branch.
- In person on voting day
- Monday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., paper ballot at your assigned polling location (shown on the notice mailed to you).
On the ballot: Mayor, 4 Local and Regional Councillors (elected at large), 5 Ward Councillors, and school board trustees.
Richmond Hill election 2026: how to vote
Vote online from October 20, or in person at any of 7 Vote Centres on October 24, 25 and 26.
- Online
- October 20 (10 a.m.) to October 26 (8 p.m.). Your Voter ID and PIN come in the Voter Information Package mailed in late September or early October.
- In-person advance voting
- Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at any of the 7 Vote Centres.
- In person on voting day
- Monday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at any Vote Centre.
On the ballot: Mayor, 2 Regional and Local Councillors, 6 Ward Councillors, and school board trustees.
Newmarket election 2026: how to vote
Newmarket votes online over 10 days. Paper ballots are available by appointment.
- Online
- October 17 (10 a.m.) to October 26 (8 p.m.). Your Voting PIN is in the Voter Instruction Letter mailed in late September.
- Voter Assistance Centres
- Magna Centre and Ray Twinney Recreation Complex: October 23 to 25, noon to 8 p.m., and October 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Paper ballot by appointment
- Town Municipal Office, 395 Mulock Drive, during the voting period. Online booking opens October 14, or call 905-953-5152.
On the ballot: Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor, 7 Ward Councillors, and school board trustees.
Aurora election 2026: how to vote
Vote online (opt in first), at the advance poll October 17 to 21, or in person on election day.
- Online (opt in)
- October 16 (10 a.m.) to October 25 (12 p.m.). Opt in with the Voter ID on your Voter Information Letter to get a PIN. No online voting on election day.
- Advance in person
- Aurora Seniors' Centre, 90 John West Way: October 17 and 18, 12 to 6 p.m.; October 19 to 21, 4 to 8 p.m.
- In person on election day
- Monday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at your designated polling station.
On the ballot: Mayor and 6 Ward Councillors (one per ward), and school board trustees.
Whitchurch-Stouffville election 2026: how to vote
New this year: internet voting and vote anywhere at any Stouffville voting location.
- Online
- October 17 (10 a.m.) to October 26 (8 p.m.). Instructions are on your Voter Information Letter.
- Advance voting, vote anywhere
- October 17 and 19 to 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Municipal Office (111 Sandiford Drive), plus Ballantrae Community Centre and the 55+ Club on October 17, 21 and 24.
- In person on election day
- Monday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at any of 9 voting locations regardless of your ward.
On the ballot: Mayor and 6 Ward Councillors, and school board trustees.
King Township election 2026: how to vote
New this year: online voting, but only before election day (October 13 to 23). Election day is in person, on paper.
- Online (advance only)
- October 13 to October 23 (8 p.m.), 24 hours a day. The Township lists the opening time as both 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.; check the official page. You need the Online Voting PIN from your Voter Information Letter and your date of birth. No online voting on election day.
- Advance in person
- Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at any advance location: October 10 at the Trisan Centre (Schomberg), October 17 at the Nobleton Community Centre & Arena, October 24 at the Zancor Centre (King City).
- In person on election day
- Monday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the voting location for your ward, shown on your Voter Information Letter.
- Vote at Home
- Paper ballot at home for voters who cannot get to a voting location because of illness, injury or mobility. Apply by October 23, 4:30 p.m.
On the ballot: Mayor and 6 Ward Councillors (one per ward), and school board trustees. The Mayor is King's only seat on York Regional Council.
East Gwillimbury election 2026: how to vote
Vote online for 11 days, at one of three advance voting days, or in person on election day. Choose one method only.
- Online
- October 16 (10 a.m.) to October 26 (8 p.m.). Your Voting PIN is in the voter letter mailed to you.
- Advance in person
- Paper ballot at any advance voting location: October 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; October 20, 4 to 8 p.m.; October 22, 12 to 8 p.m. Check the official page for locations.
- In person on election day
- Monday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at your ward's location: Holland Landing Community Centre (Ward 1), East Gwillimbury Sports Complex in Sharon (Ward 2) or Ross Family Complex in Mount Albert (Ward 3).
On the ballot: Mayor, 6 Ward Councillors (two in each of 3 wards), and school board trustees.
Georgina election 2026: how to vote
Online voting opens earliest in York Region, on October 10, and closes at noon on October 23. On voting day, vote at any of 7 locations.
- Online
- Saturday, October 10 (10 a.m.) to Friday, October 23 (12 p.m.), 24/7. No online voting on voting day.
- Advance in person
- Tabulator voting October 10, 15 and 17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and October 20, 12 to 8 p.m., at The MURC, Georgina Ice Palace and The ROC (Keswick), The Link (Sutton) and Pefferlaw Lions Community Hall.
- In person on voting day, vote anywhere
- Monday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at any of 7 locations in Keswick, Sutton, Pefferlaw and Udora.
On the ballot: Mayor, 1 Regional Councillor, 5 Ward Councillors, and school board trustees.
Are You on the Voters' List?
You can only get a ballot if you are on your municipality's voters' list. Registered voters get a voter information letter in the mail before voting starts; online voting in most cities needs the PIN or voter ID printed on it. If yours has not arrived by early October, check your registration now.
- Markham: Check, update or add yourself online, at the Markham Civic Centre, or at any voting place during voting days. Adding or updating needs ID. Check now
- Vaughan: Check or get on the voters' list with the City's voter registration tool. Register separately for online voting before October 15. Check now · Register for online voting
- Richmond Hill: Check, add or update your information online until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, October 24. After that, go to a Vote Centre with ID. Check now
- Newmarket: Use Newmarket's Voter Lookup and Registration Tool. You need the Voter Instruction Letter to vote online. Check now
- Aurora: Check, add or update your information with Aurora's Online Voter Registration portal, ideally before October 1. Check now
- Whitchurch-Stouffville: Check or update your information with the Town's Register to Vote website, or at your voting location with ID. Check now
- King Township: Check, add or update your information on King's Register to Vote Portal (with ID), at the King Township Municipal Centre until 4:30 p.m. on October 23, or at a voting location. Check now
- East Gwillimbury: Check or update your information with East Gwillimbury's Online Voter Registration tool, or get help at a Voter Help Centre. Check now
- Georgina: Changes are made in person: bring the Application to Amend the Voters' List (EL15) and ID with your name and address to the Civic Centre, or update at any voting location. Check now
Since September 1, 2026, changes go through your municipal clerk, and you can still be added until voting closes on October 26 by bringing proof of identity and address to a voting place. MPAC's VoterLookup.ca has been discontinued; the province-wide list is now kept by Elections Ontario at RegisterToVoteON.ca.
What ID to Bring
To vote in person, show one document with your name and address. Photo ID is not required. Common choices:
- Ontario driver's licence or Ontario Photo Card
- Utility bill (hydro, water, gas, phone, cable)
- Bank, credit card or RRSP statement
- Mortgage statement, lease or rental agreement
- Property tax bill or MPAC assessment notice
- Income tax notice of assessment or a government benefit statement
A Canadian passport does not count on its own because the address inside is handwritten. If you are on the voters' list but have no ID, you can sign a declaration of identity at the voting place. Some cities accept your voter information letter together with ID that shows only your name - Markham, for example. See the province's full list of acceptable documents.
What's on the Ballot
| Municipality | Council offices you vote for |
|---|---|
| Markham | Mayor, 4 Regional Councillors (city-wide), 8 Ward Councillors, and school board trustees. |
| Vaughan | Mayor, 4 Local and Regional Councillors (elected at large), 5 Ward Councillors, and school board trustees. |
| Richmond Hill | Mayor, 2 Regional and Local Councillors, 6 Ward Councillors, and school board trustees. |
| Newmarket | Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor, 7 Ward Councillors, and school board trustees. |
| Aurora | Mayor and 6 Ward Councillors (one per ward), and school board trustees. |
| Whitchurch-Stouffville | Mayor and 6 Ward Councillors, and school board trustees. |
| King Township | Mayor and 6 Ward Councillors (one per ward), and school board trustees. The Mayor is King's only seat on York Regional Council. |
| East Gwillimbury | Mayor, 6 Ward Councillors (two in each of 3 wards), and school board trustees. |
| Georgina | Mayor, 1 Regional Councillor, 5 Ward Councillors, and school board trustees. |
Regional councillors sit on both their city council and York Regional Council, along with every mayor. The York Region Chair is not on the ballot: under the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, the provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing will appoint the next Chair for the term starting November 15, 2026 (York Region announcement). Some races were decided by acclamation before voting began; each municipality's candidate list shows which.
School Board Trustees
You get one trustee ballot, for the board you support on the voters' list - not the school your children attend. English public is the default. Candidate lists for each trustee area are on your municipality's candidate page above. To change your school support, contact MPAC; it cannot be changed at the voting place.
English public
York Region District School Board (YRDSB)
The default. Everyone votes for this board unless they qualify for, and support, another one.
Board election informationEnglish Catholic
York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB)
You must be Roman Catholic and a separate school supporter (or the spouse of one).
Board election informationFrench public
Conseil scolaire Viamonde (Viamonde)
You must be a French-language rights holder and a supporter of the board (or the spouse of one).
Board election informationFrench Catholic
Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir (MonAvenir)
You must be Roman Catholic, a French-language rights holder, and a supporter of the board (or the spouse of one).
Board election informationAll-Candidates Meetings and Debates
Publicly announced 2026 events, confirmed on the organizer's page or in local news. None had been announced for Markham, Vaughan, King Township or East Gwillimbury when this page was last reviewed.
Municipal Election Meet & Greet: Keswick
Monday, September 28, 2026 · 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Georgina Ice Palace
90 Wexford Drive, Keswick, ON
Races: Georgina municipal candidates
One of two Chamber meet and greets: talk to candidates, hear their priorities, and ask about local issues.
Newmarket Election Candidates Meet & Greet
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 · 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Newmarket Seniors' Meeting Place
474 Davis Drive, Newmarket, ON
Races: Newmarket council and trustee candidates
Drop-in, open-house format with no speeches or debates: talk to candidates one on one.
Aurora Mayoral Debate and All-Candidates Meet & Greet
Thursday, October 1, 2026 · 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (mayoral debate 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.)
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 385
105 Industrial Parkway North, Aurora, ON
Races: Mayor (debate); all candidates (meet and greet)
Meet and greet, a moderated mayoral debate, then a town hall question period. Open to Aurora residents; organizers ask you to register online in advance.
Aurora Public Library All-Candidates Meeting
Sunday, October 4, 2026 · 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (meeting from 2:30 p.m.)
Aurora Public Library and Aurora Town Square
15145 Yonge Street, Aurora, ON
Races: All municipal candidates; moderated Q&A with mayoral candidates
Candidate meet and greet from 1 to 2 p.m., then candidate introductions and a moderated mayoral Q&A in the performance hall. Questions can be submitted in advance.
Municipal Election Meet & Greet: Sutton
Monday, October 5, 2026 · 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (confirm the start time on the event page)
The Link
20849 Dalton Road, Sutton, ON
Races: Georgina municipal candidates
The second Chamber meet and greet: talk to candidates, hear their priorities, and ask about local issues.
Richmond Hill All Candidates Event: Wards 3, 5 and 6
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 · 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Richvale Community Centre (gymnasium)
160 Avenue Road, Richmond Hill, ON
Races: Ward 3, 5 and 6 councillor candidates
Moderated candidate discussions on local priorities. Free; registration on the Board of Trade page.
Richmond Hill All Candidates Event: Wards 1, 2 and 4
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 · 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Bond Lake Arena (Norm Taylor Room)
70 Old Colony Road, Richmond Hill, ON
Races: Ward 1, 2 and 4 councillor candidates
Moderated candidate discussions on local priorities. Free; registration on the Board of Trade page.
Richmond Hill All Candidates Event: Mayor, Regional Councillors and Trustees
Thursday, October 8, 2026 · 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Langstaff Community Centre (Gym C)
155 Red Maple Road, Richmond Hill, ON
Races: Mayor, Regional and Local Councillors, and school board trustees
The city-wide races and trustees. Free; registration on the Board of Trade page.
Municipal Election: Meet the Candidates
Thursday, October 15, 2026 · 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Richmond Hill Public Library, Central Branch (cafe space, 1st floor)
Races: Candidates from all wards
Drop-in meet and greet: candidates at tables in the library cafe, available for questions.
More Election Events on the Calendar
From the York Happening events calendar, updated daily.
Aurora (2)
East Gwillimbury (1)
2026 East Gwillimbury Election Candidates Meet & Greet
Holland Landing Community Centre · 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Georgina (2)
King Township (1)
2026 Municipal Election: All Candidates Event
The Country Day School, Performing Arts · 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Markham (1)
What you need to know about the 2026 Markham Municipal Election
Angus Glen Library · 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Newmarket (1)
2026 Newmarket Election Candidates Meet & Greet
Newmarket Seniors Meeting Place · 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Richmond Hill (2)
Municipal Elections: Meet the Candidates
Richmond Hill Central Library · 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
York Region Election 2026: FAQ
Answers are maintained on a best-effort basis, with no guarantees, and are based on official municipal and provincial sources. Please verify them with your municipality before you vote.
When is the 2026 municipal election in York Region?
Voting day is Monday, October 26, 2026. Every Ontario municipality votes on the fourth Monday in October. Every York Region municipality also offers online or advance voting in the days before: Vaughan's online advance vote starts October 9, Georgina's online voting and King Township's first advance poll open October 10, King's online voting starts October 13, and Markham, East Gwillimbury, Aurora, Newmarket, Stouffville and Richmond Hill open online voting between October 16 and October 20.
Can I vote online in the 2026 York Region municipal election?
Yes, in all nine municipalities, but the rules differ. Markham, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Whitchurch-Stouffville and East Gwillimbury run online voting up to 8 p.m. on October 26. Aurora requires you to opt in and closes online voting at noon on October 25. King Township (October 13 to 8 p.m. on October 23) and Georgina (October 10 to noon on October 23) close online voting before voting day, which is in person only. Vaughan offers online voting only during its October 9 to 18 advance vote, and you must register for it by October 15.
Where do I vote in person in Markham, Richmond Hill, Stouffville or Georgina?
All four let you vote at any of their voting places on voting day rather than an assigned one. Markham has in-person voting October 23 to 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Richmond Hill has 7 Vote Centres open October 24 and 25 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and October 26 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Whitchurch-Stouffville has advance voting October 17 to 24 and 9 locations on voting day. Georgina has 7 locations open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on October 26. Elsewhere, voting day is at the location assigned to you, shown on your voter letter.
How do I check if I am on the voters' list?
Use your municipality's online voter tool, linked for each municipality on this page (Georgina handles changes in person). Since September 1, 2026 changes go through your municipal clerk, and you can still be added up to the close of voting on October 26 by bringing proof of identity and address to a voting place. MPAC's VoterLookup.ca has been discontinued.
What ID do I need to vote in an Ontario municipal election?
One document showing your name and address, such as an Ontario driver's licence, a utility bill, a bank statement or a lease. Photo ID is not required. A Canadian passport does not count on its own because it has no printed address. If you are on the voters' list but have no ID, you can sign a declaration of identity at the voting place.
Who can vote in the York Region municipal election?
You can vote if you are a Canadian citizen, at least 18 on voting day, and live in the municipality, or own or rent property there (or are the spouse of someone who does). Commercial property owners and tenants can vote for council but not for school board trustees.
Is the York Region Regional Chair on the ballot in 2026?
No. Under the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing will appoint the next York Region Chair after the election, for the term beginning November 15, 2026. You vote for your mayor and, in Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket and Georgina, regional councillors who also sit on York Regional Council. In Aurora, Whitchurch-Stouffville, King Township and East Gwillimbury, the mayor is the only regional seat.
Which school board trustee do I vote for?
It depends on your school support on the voters' list, not on where your children go to school. The default is the York Region District School Board. To vote for the York Catholic board or a French-language board (Viamonde or MonAvenir) you must qualify for and support that board. MPAC manages school support designations.
Sources: each municipality's official election page (linked above), the Province of Ontario's 2026 voters' guide, and the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. York Happening is an independent events site and is not affiliated with any municipality, school board or campaign.
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