Who can vote? Likely you can!
Canadian citizens and their spouses or partners can vote in every municipality in Ontario where they own or rent property, so you and your spouse can both vote at your home and also at your cottage. For this election, it is critical that you check that your information is correct on the Voters List through your municipality, even if you voted in the past or updated your information recently through Elections Ontario. See more details in our Voter Registration Update below.

Why vote?
Councils make decisions that touch your lives in many important ways and can have lasting implications. Help protect Muskoka and the environment for all generations.   

What's at stake?
It's more important than ever to stand up for Muskoka. The MLA has worked tirelessly to preserve and enhance Muskoka for all generations and your vote is critical. We have seen organized efforts by groups who don't adhere to our priorities to safeguard our water quality and protect our natural shorelines and who oppose our call for responsible development, including official plan updates such as the Township of Muskoka Lakes Official Plan and redevelopments such as the proposed Muskoka Regional Centre/Cliff Bay project on Muskoka Bay, south Lake Muskoka and Rosseau Springs in Seguin 

Municipal councils make decisions that can have a big impact on cottage life, including rules about building and services such as garbage and roads.  You pay taxes here - make sure you have a say in how those dollars are spent. Make sure Muskoka remains the place you love.

VOTER REGISTRATION UPDATE:

HOW TO REGISTER THROUGH YOUR MUNICIPALITY

If you missed the deadline to register to vote through Elections Ontario for the Municipal Election, fear not! You can check, add or update your information through your Municipality as of the dates below.

We strongly encourage you to check that your information is correct as soon as the Voters' List is available in your municipality including that you are on the list, your name is correct and your qualifying secondary property is correct, even if you have changed it through Elections Ontario. 

Remember, if you or your spouse or partner own or rent property in a municipality other than your primary residence, you are likely eligible to vote in every municipality in which you own or rent. In other words, seasonal residents can vote in the municipality of your permanent residence and the municipality of your seasonal residence. 

TOWNSHIP OF MUSKOKA LAKES - AUGUST 17

As of August 17, voters in TML may check, add or update their registration information online through the voter look-up tool on the TML municipal website. Use the tool to check that you are on the Voters list, that your name and personal details are correct and your qualifying secondary property is correct. Follow the instructions to make changes. You will be asked for documentation. Voters may also go to the Municipal Office to check/register. Additions and changes to voter information cannot be completed over the phone. Voter Information Letters will begin arriving by mail at your permanent address around September 30.

BRACEBRIDGE AND GRAVENHURST - SEPTEMBER 1

As of September 1, voters in Bracebridge and Gravenhurst may check, add or update their registration information online through the voter look-up tool on their municipal website. Use the tool to check that you are on the Voters list, that your name and personal details are correct and your qualifying secondary property is correct. Follow the instructions to make changes. You will be asked for documentation. 

In Bracebridge, you may also make applications for changes in person as of September 1 to the clerk at the Municipal Office, 100 Taylor Court from 8:30 to 4:30 Monday to Friday. Bracebridge voters can expect to receive their Voter Information letter by mail at their permanent address beginning October 1 with instructions on how to vote. 

Gravenhurst voters may also make changes as of September 1 at the Municipal Office 3-5 Pineridge Gate, Gravenhurst from 8-4pm Monday to Friday.

SEGUIN - SEPTEMBER 1

As of September 1, voters in Seguin may check, add or update their registration information by contacting their municipal clerk in person, by phone or by email - there is no online option. Contact details below.

PRELIMINARY VOTING DETAILS - MORE TO COME

• Muskoka voters will receive a personal Voter Information Letter at their permanent address during the period from the end of September to before voting day, with a PIN to be used during the voting process - watch your mailbox.

• Voting will happen October 14, 10am to October 26, 8pm online or by telephone only. If you need assistance, contact your clerk (details below.) In the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Gravenhurst and Bracebridge, you may vote online at the municipal offices during regular business hours during the voting period. Check your municipal office to see if they offer extended hours should you need them.

MUNICIPAL ELECTION WEBSITES AND CONTACTS

• Township of Muskoka Lakes https://www.muskokalakes.ca/2026-elections/

Municipal Clerk: Crystal Best-Sararas crystal.best-sararas@muskokalakes.ca 

T: 705-765-3156 x 211

• Gravenhurst Votes https://www.gravenhurst.ca/gravenhurst-votes/emailelections@gravenhurst.ca Municipal Clerk: Kayla Thibeault email: kayla.thibeault@gravenhurst.ca T: 705-687-3412 x 2237 

• Bracebridge Votes https://www.bracebridgevotes.ca/ Municipal Clerk: Lori McDonald email: lmcdonald@bracebridge.ca T: 705-645-5264 x 3200

• Seguin Votes https://www.seguin.ca/elections email info@seguin.caT: 705-732-4300Municipal Clerk: Craig Jeffery email: cjeffery@seguin.ca 

SAVE THE DATE! MLA + PARTNERS GRAVENHURST ALL-CANDIDATES MEETING AUG 29, 2026

The Muskoka Lakes Association and a coalition of 15 Gravenhurst lake associations are hosting a Gravenhurst All-Candidates Meeting on Saturday August 29 2026, from 7 PM to 9 PM at the Gravenhurst Opera House,  295 Muskoka Road South, Gravenhurst, in advance of the Municipal Election on October 26, 2026. Your next Gravenhurst Council will be a key decision maker in how the Municipal Regional Centre/Cliff Bay property in Muskoka Bay is developed.  It will also decide critical issues related to the development of the Muskoka Wharf and downtown Gravenhurst and the Muskoka Fire College lands should they be sold by the Province. Read press coverage of the upcoming meeting here.

MLA CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS

As part of our commitment to represent our members, the MLA endorses candidates who are most closely aligned with our issues. The endorsements are determined by MLA volunteers who interview all nominees about their stand on issues including preserving water quality, promoting natural shorelines, voting for responsible development and protecting the beauty of Muskoka for all generations. The results are published in September and distributed via email and flyers. 

FINAL CALL TO REGISTER TO RUN FOR MUNICIPAL COUNCIL IN MUSKOKA - DEADLINE FRIDAY AUG 21, 2 PM

We need Councillors who prioritize the environment, responsible planning  and building on our shorelines and responsible taxation. Mayor and Councillor positions are part-time for a 4 year term. Both are paid positions, and there is a significant element of public service in these roles. Prospective Councillors need not reside full-time in the municipality. 

To run for election, you must:

• File nomination papers with your municipal clerk by August 21, 2 pm. For details, check your municipal website and contact your clerk

• Pay a fee of $100 for Town/Township Councillor and $200 for Mayor

• Have an Endorsement of Nomination paper with 25 signatures 

Candidates must be: 

• A resident or non-resident owner or tenant of land in the municipality or the spouse of such non-resident owner or tenant

• A Canadian citizen and at least 18 years of age

• Not legally prohibited from voting and not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office

Check back here regularly for more election info as it becomes available including voter and candidate registration dates and details, all-candidate meetings and MLA candidate endorsements (after nominations close). Members, watch your inbox for special election emails. Not a member? Sign up for our election emails here.