How to prepare

Get ready to meet your municipal candidates

A little preparation can help you ask useful questions and make an informed choice. This guide from the Chamber of Commerce of Hawkesbury and Region is for first-time voters and anyone who wants a refresher.

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1. Know whether you can vote

New Canadian citizens can vote if they meet the eligibility requirements. You do not need to have been born in Canada or have voted before.

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To vote for Hawkesbury’s mayor and council, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen

• Be at least 18 years old

• Live in Hawkesbury, personally own or rent property there, or be the spouse of someone who personally owns or rents property there

• Not be prohibited from voting by law

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Renters can vote. Home ownership is not required. Residents in shared accommodation who do not pay rent, or residents without a fixed address, may also qualify. Permanent resident status alone does not meet the citizenship requirement.

Read Ontario’s voter eligibility guide.

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2. Check your registration

Your name must be on the municipal voters’ list to cast a ballot. If your name is missing, you can apply to have it added.

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For the 2026 election, contact the municipal Clerk’s Office to confirm, add or update your information. Applications can be made until voting closes on October 26, 2026.

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Check Ontario’s registration and identification guidance and Hawkesbury’s voter information page.

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3. Know who handles what

Understanding government responsibilities helps you direct your questions.

GovernmentExamples of responsibilities

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Town of Hawkesbury: Town roads, sidewalks, snow removal, drinking water, sewers, garbage collection, parks, recreation, local zoning, building permits, by-law enforcement and the Town’s budget

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United Counties of Prescott and Russell: County roads, paramedic services, housing services, Ontario Works and child care services

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Ontario: School boards, ​Hospital and physician services are primarily provincial responsibilities. Education involves the Province and school boards.

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Federal government: Criminal law, national defence and Employment Insurance

The Counties are also a level of municipal government, but their services are managed separately from the Town.

Learn more through Hawkesbury’s municipal services, the Counties’ Public Works, Paramedic Services and Social Services, and Canada’s government responsibilities guide.

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Some concerns involve several levels of government. Ask candidates what they can do directly, where partnerships are needed and how they would advocate for residents.

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4. Prepare your priorities and questions

Choose two or three local issues that matter most to you.

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Prepare short, focused questions, such as:

• What would your main priorities be if elected?

• What can the Town do about the issue that matters most to me?

• Who would you need to work with, and how?

• How would you keep residents informed and hear their concerns?

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Asking candidates the same question can help you compare their answers.

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5. Bring your voter notebook

Bring Mon carnet de l’électeur and a pen. Check the event listing for the time, location and any registration requirements.

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During the event, listen to candidates for both mayor and council. Keep conversations respectful and give others room to participate.

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Record:

• What you learned

• What you want to explore further

• What you want to consider​

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6. Take time to reflect afterward

Review your notes alongside your priorities. Identify any information you still need. Use the notebook’s final section to record the six council candidates you wish to consider.

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Your notebook supports your personal reflection. The choice is yours.

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7. DON'T FORGET TO VOTE 

Advance voting
October 22, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
October 23 and 24, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Robert Hartley Sports Complex

Election day
October 26, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Robert Hartley Sports Complex