New Tecumseth Votes

Good afternoon, everyone

Congratulations on submitting your nomination for municipal or school board office.  The Clerk’s Office wishes all candidates good luck as you move forward through the election period.

To further assist all candidates, the Clerk’s Office will be providing “candidate updates” to the email you have printed on your nomination form. The updates will also be published online at newtecumseth.ca/Election. The purpose of the updates is to provide information on items that may be of interest to all candidates. This communication tool will also summarize responses to all questions asked by candidates to ensure everyone has access to the same information.

Tax Bill Insert

The Town will be sending out tax bills to New Tecumseth property owners in the next couple of weeks. Please look for the insert that will be included! The Clerk’s Office with our colleagues in Communications have created an information bulletin for electors. Information includes eligibility to vote, importance of checking the voters list, changes to council ward boundaries for 2026 and how to confirm you are registered with the proper school support.

AMO Training for Candidates

If you haven’t registered for an AMO candidate training session, its not too late.  In recognition of the response AMO has received for this training program, further sessions have been added.  The best part – you can attend them from any location (virtual) and admission is free!   Information on these training sessions is available at newtecumseth.ca/Election

Below is a summary of questions asked by Candidates to date.   I wish everyone a wonderful and safe long weekend. 

Questions asked by Candidates:

1. What are the setback requirements for election signs?

Attached is the full Election Sign By-law (2025-012) for your reference. I have also included a candidate guide that highlights the key requirements for ease of use.

Some key points to be aware of include:

• Election signs may be installed starting September 11, 2026 (45 days prior to Voting Day).
• Signs may be placed on private property with owner/occupant consent, as well as within the road allowance in front of private property, also with consent of the abutting owner/occupant.
• Sign placement must not create any safety or visibility concerns.
• Additional requirements, including size, placement restrictions, and timelines for removal, are outlined in the attached materials.

• Will voting information be available on the Town’s website and will it be accessible prior to when voting opens?

Voting information will be provided to electors on the Town’s website. In addition, the Town’s Communication Team will be sharing this information throughout the community in a variety of ways. All electors will also receive a voter letter (if on the voter’s list) outlining all in person paper voting locations (advance voting period only) and how to vote online with the website address throughout the entire Election Period including Voting Day.    Please note, the only voting method that will be used on Voting Day will be online voting.

• When can I start campaigning? Can I purchase campaign materials?

Yes, you are permitted to start campaigning once you have filed your nomination papers with the Clerk’s Office.  Should you wish to spend money on your campaign (example: promotional campaign materials), you will need to establish a bank account specific for this purpose. All contributions accepted (or provided by yourself or your partner) to fund expenses must be deposited into the account.  Likewise, all expenses related to your campaign must be paid through the campaign account.  Please ensure you keep track of all expenses.  You will need to report at the end of your campaign period.  The maximum amounts were provided to you through the candidate package.  The final numbers will be distributed to all candidates at the beginning of September.  

For your further information, I have copied the section of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing guide for candidates that references the campaign period (page 16).   As also noted, election signs cannot be placed until September 11^th (45 days prior to the Election Date).  

Can I use a QR Code to link the voting website on my campaign material? 

The voting site will be published on the Town’s Election Site at newtecumseth.ca/Election.  We will make sure, at the time of voting, it is at the top of the webpage and in an obvious place for voters.  Should you wish to link electors directly to the voting location, please use the Town’s Election page for the QR Code. In addition to the Voting Site connection, electors will also have access to other pertinent information – for example – how to register to vote.  

Pamela Fettes

Director of Administration Services/Clerk