Voter Guide 2026

2026 Municipal Election Guide

Make your vote count. Find out how to check if you are registered, learn about Goderich’s telephone and internet voting system, and ensure your voice is heard.

Voters List Registration

Elections Ontario maintains the Permanent Register of Electors for Ontario (the Voters List). This list includes individuals eligible to vote in provincial and municipal elections. Confirming your status early is the best way to ensure a seamless voting process. If you own property, rent, or have recently moved, your details must be verified.

Confirm, update, or add your information directly on the Elections Ontario database by clicking the register button.

Confirm or Update Your Info If You:

Have changed your name or address
Own or rent a new property
No longer own or rent a property
Want to remove your information from the Register or Voters List

How to Vote in Goderich

The Town of Goderich authorized the use of an alternative voting method: Telephone/Internet Voting under By-law 70 of 2025. This allows you to vote securely and conveniently from home.

Official Voting Period

Tuesday, Oct 13, 2026 (9:00 AM) — Monday, Oct 26, 2026 (8:00 PM)

The Voting Steps

Receive Your Voter Letter

The Voters’ List (Preliminary List of Electors & Interim List of Changes) is compiled to print the Voter Information Letters. A Voter Information Letter containing your unique personal PIN will be delivered to Canada Post and distributed by first-class mail to all eligible voters.

Vote by Internet

Access the secure voting URL website provided on your Voter Information Letter using any laptop, computer, smartphone, or tablet device. Follow instructions and enter your PIN.

Vote by Phone

Call the toll-free telephone number listed on your letter using a touch-tone cellular or landline phone. Follow prompts to enter your PIN and cast your vote.

Note: Rotary dial telephones are not supported. “Diga-pulse” telephones can access the system if the override button is set to “touch-tone” mode.

In-Person Voting Kiosk & Assistance

Attend the Town of Goderich Municipal Office (57 West Street) to access secure voting kiosks. Kiosk access is provided during the following hours:

Monday, Oct 12: 9:00 AM — 4:00 PM
Oct 13 — Oct 16: Regular business hours
Oct 19 — Oct 23: Regular business hours
Election Day (Oct 26): 8:00 AM — 8:00 PM

Voting with a Friend / Official

Attend the office with a friend to assist you. Both must take the “Oral Oaths at Voting Location” (Form 33) to authorize your friend to vote for you. If you do not have a friend, you may request the assistance of an Election Official (available only after the appropriate oath is taken).

Voting with an Interpreter

Attend the office with an interpreter to assist you. Both must take the “Oral Oaths at Voting Location” (Form 33) to authorize the interpreter to cast your vote using the phone or internet kiosk.

Amendments, Missing Info, & PIN Replacements

If you are not on the voters list, need to update missing information (like date of birth), or require a replacement PIN, please read the Town procedures below.

Not on the Voters List after the deadline?

Eligible voters who attend the Municipal Office and are not on the Voters’ List can be added by completing an “Application to Amend Voters’ List” (Form 8) and providing proof of identity and residence as prescribed in O. Reg. 304/13.

If you are added before the mailing of the Voter Information Letters, you will receive your letter containing a PIN along with the rest of the electorate. For additions made after the mailing of the Voter Information Letters, the letter and PIN will be provided to you immediately in person.

Missing or incomplete Date of Birth?

If your Voter Information Letter indicates that your date of birth is missing or incomplete, you can attend the Municipal Office to correct it. You will be required to complete an “Application to Amend Voters’ List” (Form 8) and present standard proof of identity and residence as prescribed in O. Reg. 304/13.

Incorrect Ward or School Support category?

If you have received an incorrect Voter Information Letter (regarding your ward assignment or school support category) and have not already voted, you can attend the Municipal Office to have it corrected. You will be required to fill out an “Application to Amend Voters’ List” (Form 8) and provide proof of identity and residence as prescribed in O. Reg. 304/13.

Lost or unreceived Voter Information Letter?

If you are on the Voters’ List but lost your letter or did not receive it in the mail, you can request a replacement. You must attend the Municipal Office and prove to the satisfaction of the authorized Election Official that you require a new PIN.

Upon presenting proof of identity and residence as prescribed in O. Reg. 304/13, you must take an oath on the “Application for Re-Issuance of a Voter Information Letter (Lost and Unused)” (Form 28). A new Voter Information Letter containing a new PIN will be issued, and the new PIN will replace and deactivate the old PIN in the voting system.

Your PIN has already been used?

If you attempt to vote and find that your PIN has already been used, you must attend the Municipal Office. If you can satisfy the Election Official that you did not vote using the PIN and that you require a new PIN, your status will be corrected.

Upon providing proof of identity and residence as prescribed in O. Reg. 304/13 to an Election Official, you must take an oath on the “Application for Re-Issue of a Voter Information Letter (Used by an Impersonator)” (Form 29). Your voter status will be reset to allow a vote, and a new Voter Information Letter with a new PIN will be issued, replacing and deactivating the old PIN.

CRITICAL LEGAL NOTICE

A person cannot give his or her Voter Information Letter to another eligible elector for the purpose of voting. Acceptance of another person’s Voter Information Letter, including the actual voting thereof, is considered an illegal and corrupt practice and is subject to severe penalty provisions under sections 89 and 90 of the Municipal Elections Act.

Need More Information?

Download the complete Town of Goderich Elections Procedures Guide PDF for full official details, forms, and procedures. Download Procedures PDF