Huron-Kinloss mayor is first to file nomination for Oct. 26 municipal election

Huron-Kinloss mayor Don Murray is running for re-election in the Oct. 26 municipal election and was the first to throw his hat into the ring when nominations opened Friday (May 1).

Also filing nominations, were Jan Johnstone, Bluewater District School Board trustee for Kincardine and Huron-Kinloss; and Eric LaPointe, local French-language public district school board trustee.

In Huron-Kinloss, the seven-member council consists of the mayor, deputy mayor and five councillors.

In Kincardine, the nine-member council consists of the mayor, deputy mayor, three councillors-at-large, two Ward 1 (Town of Kincardine) councillors, one Ward 2 (Kincardine Township) councillor, and one Ward 3 (Bruce Township) councillor.

For those thinking about running for municipal council, there is a Candidates' Information Night, Thursday, May 14, beginning at 6 p.m., at the Bruce County Administration Centre, 30 Park Street, Walkerton. This practical workshop is designed to provide participants with a clear and realistic understanding of what serving as an elected official involves.

The session will explain:
 

• How municipal government works
• The roles and responsibilities of council members
• The ethical and legal obligations of public office

Participants will also learn about campaign requirements, time and financial commitments, and the realities of public life.

The workshop is intended to equip individuals with essential background information and reflection tools to help determine whether municipal public service is the right fit for them, and to prepare those who choose to run, to do so confidently and responsibly.

This workshop is being delivered by Bruce County and its lower-tier municipalities: Kincardine, Huron-Kinloss, Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, South Bruce, Saugeen Shores, South Bruce Peninsula, and Northern Bruce Peninsula.

Participants may attend either in person or on-line. Registration details are available through participating municipalities:
 

• For Kincardine: www.kincardine.ca/election
• For Huron-Kinloss: www.huronkinloss.com/election

Election timetable:
 

• May 1 - Nomination and campaign period opens
• May 1 - Third-party registration period opens
• Aug. 21 - Nomination day (last day to be nominated), between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Aug. 24 - Certification of nominations by 4 p.m.
• Aug. 24 - Official list of candidates posted with any declaration of acclamation after 4 p.m.
• Sept. 1 - Preliminary list of electors released to the public
• Oct. 19 - Voting period for electors begins at 10 a.m.
• Oct. 23 - Third-party registration period closes
• Oct. 26 - Final day to vote (ends at 8 p.m.)
• Nov. 15, 2026 - council term begins
• Nov. 14, 2030 - council term ends

ARE YOU ON THE VOTERS' LIST?

The municipal election takes place Oct. 26. Before voting opens, make sure your name and information are up-to-date.

Register to Vote is a province-wide on-line tool that lets you confirm, update, or add yourself to the voters' list:
 

• Check your status
• Update your information
• Add your name if you’ve recently moved, turned 18, or are new to the community

Visit www.RegisterToVoteON.ca to get started.

WHO CAN VOTE?

You are eligible to vote if you are:
 

• A Canadian citizen
• At least 18 years old on Election Day
• A resident, property owner, or tenant in the municipality — or the spouse of one

Seasonal residents, and those living in cottages or trailers in campgrounds, are also included.

Verify your details if you:
 

• Are a seasonal resident or share ownership of a property
• Live in an apartment building or a newer subdivision
• Recently turned 18
• Are a student living away from home