2026 Municipal Election: What You Need to Know

For the first time since 2018, Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls will have an election.

On Monday, October 26, Township residents will elect members of council for the next four years.

Once again, the Township is using vote-by-mail, a system used in previous municipal elections. There are no polling stations, advance polls or proxy voting. Instead, every mailbox becomes a ballot box.

Who is running?

Two positions have already been decided by acclamation:

• Mayor: Gale Black
• Councillor, Ward 1 (Sioux Narrows): Matt Rydberg

Residents will vote for the following positions:

Councillor, Ward 2 (Nestor Falls)

• Holly Chant
• Wayne Helliar

Councillor at Large – elect two

• Doug Brothwell
• Mike Gate
• Steve S. Salvador

Watch your mailbox

Vote-by-mail kits have now been mailed to everyone appearing on the Township's voters list. Complete your ballot, follow the instructions included in your kit and return it as directed.

If you are unsure whether you're on the voters list, or you haven't received a ballot by October 15, visit the Sioux Narrows Municipal Office during regular business hours, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring the required identification proving your eligibility and a ballot can be provided to you.
Municipal voter registration eligibility

To be eligible to vote, you must be:

• 18 years of age or older;
• a Canadian citizen; and
• a resident of the municipality; or
• a non-resident who owns or rents property in the municipality; or
• the spouse of an owner or tenant of property in the municipality

You can be a resident in only one municipality or geographic area within Ontario without municipal organization unless you are a student.

If you or your spouse own or rent property other than your home address in Ontario, you may be eligible to vote in more than one municipal, district social services administration board and/or school board election.

Please note that the property must be personally owned or rented by you or your spouse. For example, if the property is owned by your business, or your cottage is owned by a trust, then that property does not qualify you to vote in that municipality.

Your vote matters

Municipal government makes decisions that have a direct impact on the community and its future, and voting is one of the easiest ways to have your say.

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario has identified declining voter turnout as a challenge for local democracy. Ontario-wide municipal voter turnout fell from 44.35% in 2010 to 36.3% in 2022. Its Healthy Democracy Project encourages greater participation, civic engagement and awareness of the role municipal governments play in our communities.

In a community like Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, every vote matters.

So, when your vote-by-mail kit arrives, take a few minutes to learn about the candidates, make your choices and return your ballot.

For more information on municipal election, including who is running for school trustees, click here

Election Day is Monday, October 26, 2026. Make your vote count!