07/15/2026
Some news in regards to the upcoming municipal election from the Hastings Highlands Municipal Clerk:
"We have identified several seasonal voters as well as permanent residents who are not currently included in the Elections Ontario voter registration portal.
Elections Ontario advises that its voter information is compiled from several sources, including:
Ministry of Transportation records (Ontario driver's licences and Ontario Photo Cards)
The Permanent Register of Electors for Ontario, which is continuously updated through various federal, provincial, and municipal data sources
Elections Canada’s National Register of Electors
Ministry of Health health card data
MPAC data, including school support designation and property assessment roll synchronization
For the upcoming Hastings Highlands municipal election, candidates are required to submit 25 endorsement signatures as part of their nomination package. We have observed that most candidates have between three and eight endorsements where the endorser does not appear in the Elections Ontario portal. The Clerk’s Department reviews each endorsement and advises candidates of any individuals who are not registered. Candidates are then encouraged to contact those individuals and remind them to register.
Encouraging voters to confirm that they are on the voters' list in the summer before the election is not a new practice. Similar processes were used in previous elections when MPAC provided voter information services. These responsibilities have now transitioned to Elections Ontario. It is important that voters proactively verify their registration before the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) is created. Doing so will help minimize administrative backlogs for municipal elections staff during the preparation of the final voters' list.
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Outreach Efforts
Hastings Highlands is undertaking a variety of initiatives to inform eligible electors about voter registration requirements, including:
Information included in the summer newsletter distributed with tax bills, encouraging residents to visit the Elections Ontario website and confirm their voter registration status
Updates posted on the municipal website
Regular posts on the Hastings Highlands page
Sharing Elections Ontario social media content
Sharing information through lake association pages, where permitted
Providing information in welcome packages for new property owners
Front-counter handouts at municipal offices
Information displays in the municipal lobby
Staff email signatures promoting voter registration
Staff wearing informational buttons
Sharing information with the Interlakes Association following the release of the municipal summer newsletter, allowing cottage associations to reach seasonal residents
Providing Elections Ontario campaign materials to candidates for distribution and encouraging candidates to include voter registration information in their campaign outreach efforts
In addition, Elections Ontario is conducting province-wide outreach. As a result, non-resident (seasonal) electors may also receive messaging through their home municipalities and various social media channels.
Registration Options After August 12
After August 12, individuals may:
Attend the municipal office in person to complete a registration form and be added to the voters' list
Call or email the municipal office to request a registration form, which can be completed and returned electronically
Once Voter Information Letters have been mailed (beginning in October), voters may:
Register with the Clerk’s Office by email or fax and receive their voter information letter electronically
During the voting period, from October 19 through Election Day on October 26, voters may register or update their information by:
Emailing [email protected]
Calling the Voter Help Line (number will be provided at a later date)
Visiting the Voter Help Centre located at the Hastings Highlands Centre
Please note that proper identification and proof of residency are required. Additional information is available on our website:
https://www.hastingshighlands.ca/municipal-services/elections/information-for-voters/ "
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