Ask Us! Candidate & Elector FAQ Hub

Welcome to the central hub for election questions in the City of Cambridge. Whether you're a voter, a candidate, or considering becoming involved in the 2026 Municipal Election, this page provides clear, accessible answers to common questions - all in one place.

Have a question we have not covered? You can submit it to our Election Team using our Ask Us an Election Question form.

FAQs for Voters

These FAQs provide quick, easy‑to‑understand answers to common questions from Cambridge voters. Whether you're voting for the first time or returning for another municipal election, this section helps you understand eligibility, voting locations, ID requirements, and what to expect throughout the voting process.

Election day is October 26, 2026.

Voting opportunities will also be available prior to election day, stay tuned to these dates on our Voting in the Municipal Election page.

Eligible electors must be Canadian citizens, at least 18 years old, and a resident, property owner, or tenant in Cambridge (or their spouse).

For more information, check out the Voting in the Municipal Election page.

You can find your ward by entering your address in our “Which Ward Am I In?” map.

Voting locations will be posted on the Voting in the Municipal Election page once confirmed and will also be included in your Voter Notification Letter. Electors may vote at any voting location within their ward on Election Day.

Yes, you will need to bring one or two pieces of ID showing your name and qualifying address, as prescribed under Ontario Regulation 304/13.

Eligible electors may appoint a proxy during the Voting Proxy Period. More information to come on the Voting in the Municipal Election page

Voting locations are designed to be accessible so that all eligible electors can cast their ballot independently or with assistance if needed. Accessibility features may include accessible entrances, barrier‑free routes, and assistive tools such as magnifiers or large‑print materials.

Electors who require support have the following options:

  • Bring someone to assist you:
    You may bring a support person to help you mark your ballot. They will be required to take an oath of assistance before helping.

  • Request assistance from an election official:
    If you prefer, an election official can assist you in marking your ballot. Election officials are trained to provide assistance in a respectful, confidential, and non‑directive way.

  • Curbside voting (for accessibility needs):
    If you are unable to enter the voting location due to an accessibility concern, curbside voting may be provided. An election official will bring the ballot to your vehicle so you can vote from there.

If you have questions about accessibility or require a specific accommodation on Election Day, please contact election@cambridge.ca in advance or speak to election staff on site.

FAQs for Candidates

These FAQs provide clear and accessible answers to common questions from individuals interested in running in the 2026 Municipal Election. This section outlines eligibility, nomination requirements, available offices, key dates, and what candidates can expect throughout the election process.

To run as a candidate in a municipal election in Ontario, an individual must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Be eligible to vote in the municipality, meaning the individual is a resident, a non‑resident owner or tenant of land in the municipality, or the spouse of such an owner or tenant.
  • Be a Canadian citizen.
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Not be legally prohibited from voting and not be disqualified from holding municipal office under any legislation.

Individuals who cannot run include: 

  • Non-eligible voters
  • Previous candidates who are in default
  • Municipal employees (unless taking a leave of absence)
  • Judges, MPs, MPPs, and Senators
  • Inmates serving a sentence

The nomination period begins May 1, 2026, and closes at 2:00 p.m. on Nomination Day August 21, 2026.

All individuals must make an appointment with the clerk in order to file their nomination, more information to come on the Running as A Candidate and Campaigning Page 

Positions include Mayor, City Councillor, Regional Mayor, Regional Councillor, and School Board Trustee:

  • Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) – English Public
  • Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) – English Catholic
  • Conseil scolaire Viamonde (CSV) – French Public
  • Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir (CSCM) – French Catholic)

Nominations must be filed in person with the City Clerk’s Office, with all required forms and fees. All individuals must make an appointment with the clerk in order to file their nomination, more information to come on the Running as A Candidate and Campaigning Page 

Accessibility and Assistance

We are committed to ensuring election information and voting processes are accessible to all members of the community. If you require information in an alternate format or need addition support, please contact election@cambridge.ca

More Information

For more information regarding Elections, contact the City of Cambridge's Clerks' Office

Clerks' Office
50 Dickson Street
PO Box 669 
Cambridge, ON N1R 5W8
Telephone: (519) 513-6415