Municipal elections

Guelph election 2022

Guelph’s 2022 municipal election is taking place on October 24, 2022, following the provincial election in June 2022. Due to the pandemic, the City of Guelph will be putting in place health and safety measures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. Specific information about voting locations, advance polls, and how to check if you’re on the voters’ list will be made available in early 2022.

Voting methods

On February 17, 2021, a report on voting systems and alternative voting methods for the 2022 municipal election received Council approval.

The following voting methods will be used for the 2022 election:

Provincial legislation removed the option for Ontario municipalities to consider a ranked ballot election for 2022. Other voting methods such as telephone and internet voting were not approved.

Ward Boundary Review

A Council composition and ward boundary review was completed in 2021. As a result, new ward boundaries will be in place for the 2022 municipal election. The new boundaries keep Guelph at six wards but adjusts the boundaries to redistribute the population more evenly and give consideration for future growth.

Residents can use the ‘what ward am I in?’ tool to determine if their ward is changing under the new ward boundaries.

Candidates

The nomination period for the 2022 election begins May 2 and ends August 19, 2022. Individuals wishing to register as candidates in the 2022 municipal election must ensure their nomination papers are filed within this window and cannot begin their campaign until papers are filed with the City Clerk’s Office. More information, including forms and documents, will be made available in early 2022.

Attend a candidate information session

We’re hosting two free information sessions to help potential candidates who may want to run for Mayor, City Councillor or School Board Trustee during the 2022 municipal election.

Wednesday, March 30
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Virtual session

Meeting link available at guelph.ca/events under the March 30 date. Attend using the WebEx link and use the password “Election”.

Tuesday, April 12
6 to 8 p.m.
Hybrid session with virtual and in-person options

Attend in person in Council Chambers at City Hall, 1 Carden Street in Guelph or use the WebEx link available at guelph.ca/events under the April 12 date and use the password “Election”.

Speakers from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the City Clerk’s Office and a municipal lawyer will discuss:

  • roles and responsibilities
  • key dates
  • rules around nominations
  • eligibility
  • fundraising
  • advertising
  • personal considerations and conflicts of interest

Voters’ list

If you are a resident, owner or tenant of property in the City of Guelph, a Canadian citizen and 18 years of age you can vote. Students living in Guelph while attending school can vote in both the Guelph municipal election and their ‘home’ municipality. To confirm if you are on the voters’ list and your information is accurate, please visit voterlookup.ca.

Key dates

  • May 2, 2022: First day candidates can file nomination papers and first day third party advertisers can register.
  • August 19, 2022: Last day candidates can file nomination papers, by 2:00 pm.
  • October 21, 2022: Last day third party advertisers can register.
  • October 24, 2022: Election Day
  • October 25, 2022: Official election results declared
  • November 15, 2022: New term of Council commences

Resources

Need more information?

[email protected]
519-837-5603