Q&A for Prospective and Registered Candidates

June 5, 2026

1. Are vehicle election signs permitted? 

Yes, and for specific rules see section 14 of the Election Sign By-Law for Special Provisions for Vehicle Election Signs. 

2. When can election materials be purchased? 

Candidates can incur expenses after filing nomination papers with the Clerk. 

3. I need to purchase an item with a credit card, as I can not make the purchase from my campaign bank account. How does a candidate track this? 

This question is addressed in Ontario’s 2026 candidates’ guide:

Expenses must be paid from your campaign bank account. If you use a credit card to pay for purchases, you should make sure that you keep clear records showing that the expense on the credit card was reimbursed from the campaign account.

It is recommended that all candidates review the guide. Candidates are responsible for keeping records of the financial activities related to your campaign.

4. Can candidates share the Town’s Social Media content or website content? 

Campaign accounts should not directly share or reuse Town-created social media posts or content. Candidates may still discuss Town programs, services, or election, and may link to the Town website for details. This helps ensure Town resources are not used for election campaign purposes. This is stated in the Town's Use of Corporate Resources Policy. 

5. Filing financial statements and general campaign financial compliance can be complicated. Will I need assistance? 

As a candidate, you are responsible for keeping records of the financial activities related to your campaign and your overall financial compliance. You may want to consult with an auditor or an accountant early in your campaign to make sure that you are using a bookkeeping and accounting system that will suit your needs, to review planned contributions and expenses, and are prepared for the require financial filings. 

6. Is the cost of fundraising events or activities not subject to the spending limit? 

 Candidates interested in the cost of fundraising events should refer to Ontario’s 2026 candidates’ guide Schedule 2, on page 34 for details about when and how it relates to the spending limit. 

7. Can other languages be included on election signs? 

Yes. 

8. How are complaints related to candidate conduct addressed by the Town? 

This depends on the matter. 

Under the Municipal Election Act and the Town’s election procedures, concerns about campaign finance matters may be addressed through the Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committee process. 

The Town’s election procedures include procedures for complaints of corrupt practices, in which the Municipal Clerk may refer matters to the appropriate authority.

Election Sign matters are addressed like any other by-law enforcement matter by the Town, following procedures within the Election Sign By-Law. 

Resolutions for use of corporate resources issues are outlined in the Town’s Use of Corporate Resources Policy and were previously outline in this Q&A. 

Alternative legal resolution methods may be available. It is not the role of the Municipal staff to provide legal advice, and individuals are welcome to seek independent legal advice. 

May 15, 2028

Yes, in some cases.

You may be able to vote in Aylmer even if you do not live here, if:

• you personally own property in Aylmer; 
• you personally rent property in Aylmer; or 
• your spouse personally owns or rents property in Aylmer. 

This can include a business tenant, but only if the lease is in the person’s own name.

You cannot vote in Aylmer only because you own a business, are a shareholder, or are connected to a corporation or trust that owns or rents property. Corporations and trusts cannot vote in a municipal election.

A person who lives in a rented property in Aylmer may also be able to vote as a resident elector. Their spouse and other eligible residents of the property may also be able to vote.

Voters can check or update their information at RegisterToVoteON.ca. Proof of personal ownership or tenancy may be required.

2.    Are there any jobs or offices that may make someone ineligible to run for Council?

Yes. Some jobs or public offices may make a person ineligible to run for Council, or may require them to take certain steps before filing nomination papers.

Examples may include municipal employees, certain local board employees, judges, MPs, MPPs, and Senators.

Some employers may also have their own rules about employees running for local office.

Candidates who are unsure should review the rules that apply to them, or contact the Clerk for general information. They may also wish to speak with their employer or seek independent legal advice.

3.    What if I am unsure whether I am eligible to seek nomination?

People who have questions about whether they are eligible to run for Council may contact the Clerk for general information. Some situations depend on the person’s specific facts. This may include where they work, whether they own or rent property, or other legal or personal arrangements. If it is not clear whether a person is eligible, they should seek independent legal advice before filing nomination papers.

4.    Why is all this paperwork in the candidate’s binder?     

The candidate’s binder includes forms, Town policies, election procedures, and other helpful information.

Some forms must be completed and filed. Other documents are included so that all candidates receive the same information.

Candidates are responsible for reviewing the materials that apply to their campaign. If they are unsure what a document is for, they may contact the Clerk or Legislative Services staff.

5.    What is the best practice for candidate’s social media pages? 

Candidates should keep campaign communications separate from Town-related activities and resources. It is highly recommended that candidates use a separate account for campaign communications and do not use accounts connected to official Town business.

Candidates should not use Town accounts, Town logos, Town events, or their Town role for campaign purposes unless the Town’s policy allows it. Candidates should review the Use of Corporate Resources for Election Purposes Policy and the candidate reference guide for specific rules.

6.    Which upcoming community events can candidates campaign at? 

Candidates should ask the event organizer if campaigning is allowed.

Candidates can usually campaign at private events on private property, as long as the organizer allows it and no Town resources are used.

Extra care is needed if the event involves the Town in any way. This may include Town funding, Town property, Town facilities, a special event permit, Town promotion, Town staff support, or other Town resources. In these cases, candidates should review the Town’s Use of Corporate Resources for Election Purposes Policy before campaigning.

Candidates cannot use Town resources, Town branding, or Town property for campaign purposes. Candidates may attend Town-organized or Town-funded events, but they cannot campaign, hand out campaign material, display campaign signs or materials, or take part in election-related activity at those events. 

7.    Where can I find Town of Aylmer information? 

Aylmer.ca is a good starting point for general Town information and direction to other resources. 

Council agendas, minutes, by-laws, reports, and other official records are available through the Town’s CivicWeb portal.

Information on major projects, budgets, and public engagement opportunities is available through the Town’s Get Involved Aylmer site.

Staff may assist candidates with locating specific public documents in the same manner as members of the public. Candidate information requests may be managed in accordance with the Town’s Use of Corporate Resources for Election Purposes Policy to support equal access to information. Contact the Clerk with inquiries, at clerks@town.aylmer.on.ca. 

8.   How are spouses defined for the purpose of consideration campaign funding and voting eligibility? 

For municipal election purposes, a spouse generally means either:

• a person you are married to; or 
• a person you are living with in a conjugal relationship, if you have lived together for at least one year, have a child together, or have signed a cohabitation agreement under the Family Law Act. 

This definition is referenced in the Municipal Act, 2001.

The definition may matter for voting eligibility where a person qualifies because their spouse owns or rents property in Aylmer. It may also matter for campaign finance rules, including the rules about contributions made by a candidate or their spouse.

9.    What can the Clerk and Legislative Services staff assist candidates with?

The Clerk and Legislative Services staff can assist candidates by providing general election information, explaining Town election processes, helping candidates locate official election resources or public Town resources, and carrying out the Clerk’s statutory and policy-defined responsibilities.

Staff cannot provide legal, financial, accounting, tax, or campaign strategy advice. Some questions depend on a candidate’s specific circumstances, including eligibility, employment rules, campaign contributions, expenses, fundraising, financial statements, conflicts of interest, taxes, or compliance with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. In those cases, candidates wish or be advised to seek independent legal, accounting, or other professional advice.

Candidates are responsible for ensuring that their nomination, campaign, and financial filing comply with applicable legislation. The Town’s role is to administer the election fairly and consistently for all candidates.

10.    Can I update my contact information on the Town’s municipal website?

Yes, candidates can contact the Clerk and Legislative Services staff to update their own contact information which is included on the municipal website. 

10.    Is it mandatory to provide my contact information for the Town’s municipal website?

No, candidates have the option to provide their phone number and email address for public posting on the municipal website. This is reviewed with candidates at nomination filing appointments. 

12.    Are elected members of Council paid?

Yes. Council positions are paid.

As a general guide, in 2025:

• Councillors were paid about $18,500 per year. 
• The Deputy Mayor received about $2,500 more per year. 
• The Mayor received about $12,000 more per year. 
• The Mayor is also paid separately for serving on Elgin County Council. 
• Members of Council may also use a small annual budget for eligible Town business expenses, such as conferences, training, travel, or accommodations. 
• Some board positions may also be paid. For example, members of the Police Service Board receive about $1,200 per year. 

Council pay is reviewed through the Town’s annual Council remuneration report and usually changes slightly each year based on cost-of-living increases

13.    Are campaign websites required? 

No. Candidates are not required to have a campaign website.

14.    What should Members of Council consider if they are also candidates?

Members of Council may continue to carry out their Council duties during the election period. At the same time, Members who are also candidates should be mindful of keeping Council-related activities separate from campaign activities.

In general, Town resources should not be used for campaign purposes. This includes things such as Town facilities, staff time, Town communication channels, Town branding, official titles, Council-related access, or opportunities connected to a person’s role as a Member of Council.

Whether the policy applies will depend on the specific situation. Relevant considerations may include the nature of the event or activity, the role the Member was acting in, whether other candidates had similar access, and whether any Town resource or Council-related opportunity was used for a campaign purpose.

Members are encouraged to use care in their communications and activities during the election period, particularly where Council-related duties and campaign activities may overlap.

15.    How are concerns about the use of Town resources during an election handled?

The policy sets out several options for concerns about the use of Town resources during an election.

Depending on the issue, this may include submitting a written complaint to the Clerk, using the Integrity Commissioner process where applicable, contacting the Ontario Ombudsman, pursuing private legal remedies, using the campaign finance compliance audit process, or referring serious matters to the Aylmer Police Service.

Candidates should review the policy for the full complaint and enforcement process.

April 30th, 2026

1. Can I receive a paper copy of some of the background documents?

Yes, as part of the nomination collection, prospective candidates can request a paper copy of supplementary documents, and one copy will be provided.

2. How many electors are in the Town of Aylmer?

The official preliminary number of electors is 5,619. This is based on the September 2022 number of electors.

As of April 27^th, the current number is 6,545, with the difference between at least partially attributable to the move from MPAC's voter's list to the Election Ontario list.

Staff can additionally report that the new Election Ontario list appears to be much more accurate and up to date.

3. The Deputy Mayor is no longer directly elected. How will the Deputy Mayor be appointed?

At the first Regular Meeting of Council of the new term the Deputy Mayor will be appointed based on the Councillor who received the highest number of votes during the previous Municipal election process. If they do not wish to assume the role, they can decline the appointment, in which case it is offered the Councillor who received the second highest number of votes. Rules additionally account for all members being acclaimed. The Town has incorporated this into our Council procedural bylaw. The rules are the following:

11. Appointment of the Deputy Mayor

11.1    At the Regular Meeting of Council in December of an election year, Council shall, by By-Law, appoint a Councillor as Deputy Mayor, to hold office for the term of Council. The appointed Councillor shall be the Councillor who received the highest number of votes during the previous Municipal election process.

11.2    ln the event that the Councillor who received the highest number of votes during the election process does not accept the appointment or becomes unable to perform his or her duties as Deputy Mayor, the Councillor who received the second highest number of votes during the election process will be appointed as Deputy Mayor.

11.3    ln the event that the Councillor who received the second highest number of votes during the election process does not accept the appointment or becomes unable to perform his or her duties as Deputy Mayor, or in the event of all Councillors being acclaimed in the previous Municipal election process, Members of Council shall, from amongst themselves, select the Councillor to be appointed as Deputy Mayor.

 The background to why this change was made is available here.

April 8th, 2026

1. What if someone moves to the municipality and wants to run as a candidate?

A person can run for office if they are eligible to vote in the municipality and are not disqualified by law. Candidates must provide proof of identity and address when they submit their nomination papers. This must follow Ontario Regulation 304/13, Voter Identification.

You must submit this proof by 2:00 p.m. on Friday August 21, 2026 (Nomination Day). If you do not, your nomination will not be accepted.

If you recently moved, you can use documents like:

• A lease or mortgage agreement
• A mortgage statement
• A government-issued ID

 Different rules apply for people without a permanent address.

2. What is a third-party advertisement and a third-party advertiser?

A third-party advertisement is an ad with an associated expense that supports or opposes a candidate but is not created by the candidate or their campaign.

A third-party advertiser is a person, business, or union in Ontario that registers with the Clerk to pays for these ads.

They must follow rules similar to candidates.

Examples:

- A community group pays for a newspaper ad supporting a candidate.
- A local business pays for a Facebook ad against a candidate.
- A person pays for lawn signs promoting a candidate (not part of the campaign).

3. Are there tax credits for donating to a municipal candidate?

No. Donations to municipal candidates in Ontario are not eligible for tax credits. Some municipalities have tax rebate programs; the Town of Aylmer does not.