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The Municipality of Brighton is preparing for the upcoming 2026 Municipal and School Board Election, which will take place on October 26. On April 7th, 2025, Council passed a resolution to implement internet voting for the 2026 Election.
If you have recently turned 18, changed your name, or moved, please take a moment to confirm your voter information on the Elections Ontario website to help keep the voters’ list accurate. Candidate nomination packages will be available beginning May 1 both online and in person at the Municipal Clerk’s Office located at 35 Alice Street. Voting in the 2026 election will be conducted using internet voting.
Association of Municipalities of Ontario Workshops
Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities Online Workshop Series
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is hosting a series of free online workshops that provide a supportive, skills-focused environment to strengthen your leadership foundation and reconnect with the values that guide public service.
The online series is being offered in two streams:
An Information Session for Youth Considering Running for Municipal Office
AMO is offering a free online workshop for youth that is designed to provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and boost your confidence in becoming a candidate and running an election campaign.
An Information Session for Urban Indigenous Peoples’ Considering Running for Municipal Office
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering free online sessions for urban Indigenous Peoples' that are interested in running for council in October 2026. Facilitated by Melanie Pilon, the first Indigenous Mayor of Municipality of Wawa and member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and William Morin, member of Michipicoten First Nation and founder and leader of The First Peoples National Party of Canada (2004-2013), these sessions will provide insights and strategies to build your understanding and confidence in becoming a candidate and running an election campaign.
A Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years of age
A resident, a property owner, or tenant, or the spouse of an owner or tenant in the Municipality of Brighton
Register or update your voter information:
Elections Ontario, www.registertovoteon.ca, is where voters can check and update their information. Keeping this information current ensures the municipal voters’ list is complete and accurate for the 2026 election.
How to vote:
The internet voting period will take place between Monday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m. to Monday, October 26 at 8:00 p.m. During this eight-day period, eligible voters can access the online voting portal using their birth date and the PIN that is provided in their Voter Information Letter, delivered by mail.
Election help:
Voters requiring assistance during the voting period may email election@brighton.ca or phone (613) 475 – 0670 option 3.
Election staff will also be available in person at Election Help Centres throughout the voting period. A schedule will be posted on the municipal website closer to October.
Information for Candidates:
Eligible candidates interested in running for a position on Council must be:
Eligible to vote in the municipality to run for a position on council
A Canadian citizen aged 18 or older, and qualify as a resident or non-resident elector
Eligible to hold office on the day the nomination is filed
Nomination and candidate information packages will be available beginning May 1, 2026, online and at the Municipal Clerk’s Office. Candidates must file their completed nomination forms in person by appointment through the Clerk’s Office.
Municipality of Brighton Appointment Application Process 2024-2025
Notice of Vacancy Application Process
Notice is hereby given that at the Council Meeting of December 16, 2024, Council passed a resolution to select a Council member through appointment by call for applications to fill the current vacancy of Councillor for the remaining 2022-2026 term of Council. At the special Council Meeting on December 24, 2024, Council approved a staff report containing a policy regarding a vacancy appointment process.
For individuals who are eligible and interested in applying, application and information are now available on our website. Beginning January 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in-person applications will be available for pick-up at the Municipal Centre located at 35 Alice St. Brighton.
A reminder for all applicants that completed applications will need to be filed in person with the Clerks Department between January 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. and January 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Background
At the December 9, 2024, Council meeting, one (1) Councillor position was declared vacant due to the recent passing of Councillor Byron Faretis.
At the December 16, 2024, Council meeting, Council reviewed staff report titled "Options to Fill the Office of Councillor Vacancy". Council proceeded with Option #2B “Appointment by Call for Applications”.
At the December 24, 2024, Special Council Meeting, Council reviewed staff report titled "Council Vacancy Appointment Process" and approved the application process to fill the vacant seat.
For more information related to the application process, please contact the Municipal Clerk’s department.
For individuals who are eligible and interested in applying to be considered for appointment to fill the Council Vacancy shall follow the Application Process detailed in the Council Vacancy Appointment Process Policy.
2. Applicants are encouraged to complete the Applicant Bio Form so that their information can be shared on our website, through our community newsletter, social media, news releases and through print materials distributed across the Municipality.
3. Should applicants wish, you may provide a picture, your resume and/or a Personal Statement of Qualifications with your application documents. Your Personal Statement of Qualifications will be typewritten in a twelve (12) point or greater font, on letter size ( 8 1/2” x 11”) paper, and will include your name and address. Statements that do not meet these requirements shall not be included in any Council meeting agenda, or provided to Council by the Clerk, or designate.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Key dates:
January 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. – Application period opens
January 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. – Application period closes
January 18, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. – Last Day to withdraw your application
January 24, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. – Special Council Meeting for candidate presentations. Please note that council may or may not make their decision at this meeting.
January 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. – Special Council Meeting for Council decisions, if required.
February 3, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. – Council Meeting where new member will be appointed and take oath of office.
Meet Your Applicants
Steph Hails
Applicant Name: Steph Hails
Applicant Bio: My family and I settled in Brighton 14 years ago, within which I have witnessed the many changes in this community and understand the need for representation for all of its members. As a member of the J.E.D.I. advisory committee to the Brighton council as well as the T.S.A. LGBTQ group I have become an advocate for our community members within these groups. Going forth I would like to have the chance to apply my existing and attained knowledge to serve all members of our community.
Applicant Bio: Laurie Caouette has lived in Brighton since 2008 and is a former graduate of ENSS.
She has close to 9 years of municipal experience, particularly in the areas of grant writing, community engagement, economic development and communication.
Laurie has served in various capacities over the years, including Director of the Applefest Children's Village, Co-Chair of Applefest (40th Anniversary), Cub leader and is a former small business owner.
She is a proud wife of Raymond, a veteran of the Canadian Forces and current serving member of the Brighton Fire Department, and the lucky mother of two incredible sons and various fur babies.
A lifelong resident of Brighton along with my wife Cathy and 2 children Jerry and Marie
All 4 of us have been educated in this municipality with exception of post secondary
Active volunteer in local sports. Coached Minor Hockey and was President of Brighton Minor Hockey as well as The Brighton Figure Skating Club. Also coached Fast Ball in town
2012 Recipient of the Queens Diamond Jubilee for my work in volunteering
Currently sitting on the Board of Directors for both QEDC and Quinte Transit as a Brighton Representative
Applicant Bio: Born and raised in Brighton, as a young and passionate community member, I bring a new friendly face, fresh perspectives and am eager to listen and learn from all residents. I value the voices of those who have lived in Brighton their entire lives, as well as new-comers choosing to make this community their home; I appreciate both rural and urban living that Brighton has to offer. Brighton is not just where I live, it's where I see my future. I understand the challenges and opportunities of being a young parent and can identify with the younger demographic in Brighton. I aim to be approachable and a dedicated voice for all in this community.
Applicant Bio: Council has been my passion for more than 20 years through my history as a reporter, and I'd love the opportunity to be sitting at the council table.
I've covered Brighton council, as well as all things Brighton, working for the Community Press, The Independent, and Quinte News, since 1997.
I've been involved in many aspects of the community through reporting and volunteering.
President of the Rotary Club of Brighton for three terms, with a forth coming up on July 1, a volunteer parent at ENSS, minor hockey, soccer, Community Care, the Salvation Army, and more.
I love long walks with my dog, reading, family and friends.
Hello All: My name is Mohamad (Mo) Khan, and it would be an honour to be selected as your Councillor. I reside in Brighton with my wife, and daughter for over 7 years, and we are both working with different Community Groups in our area. I am also the Chairman of the JEDI Committee which allows me to work with different organizations. Given the opportunity, I hope to reach a wider demographic, and make Brighton a greater place for all. Thank you.
I grew up in Brighton, having lived here since 1980, my parents owned a garden centre and apple orchard, I now operate a local business. I have 8 years of Council experience with the Municipality of Brighton, in 2014-2018 served as Councillor and in 2018-2022 served as Deputy Mayor. I understand what is needed and would be able to step in, mid term with ease. I stepped away from Council in 2022 to focus on some needed transitions in my growing business. Since then, I have continued to serve as Chair of both the Applefest committee and Economic Development Committee as well as maintained a seat on the Bay of Quinte Marketing Board. I truly love the community of Brighton and would be happy to fill this Council vacancy.
Elected to Brighton Council from 2018 to 2022, Doug Leblanc is a councillor who gets things done. With expertise in wastewater management and over 30 years of business and military experience, Doug has championed critical infrastructure upgrades, saving the municipality millions. He has also driven accessibility improvements, including sidewalk and road repairs, and collaborated to expand broadband for rural communities. Doug's leadership ensures financial stability and improved services, meeting Brighton's challenges head-on. He can step right in to the role and help create a sustainable future.
Applicant Contact Information:
Cell Phone: (343) 645-5545
Filed on: January 15th, 2025
*Please note all applicant bio information is written/provided by applicants at the time they file their application and are not fact checked by the Municipality of Brighton.
Anyone can vote in a municipal election who, on the day of the election, is:
18 years of age or older
a Canadian citizen; and
either a resident of the municipality or a property owner or tenant or the spouse or same sex partner of an owner or tenant in the municipality during a specified time just before the election.
What is different about the 2022 election?
The voting method for the 2022 election has changed from Vote by Mail with tabulators to Internet Vote. There are many advantages to Internet Vote including less travel, removing time constraints, fewer lineups at Election Help Centres and improved accessibility for persons with disabilities or people who are ill or away from home.
When, where and how do I vote?
The voting period will be from Monday, October 17 to Monday, October 24, 2022, and you will be able to vote at any time of day during that period from your own home. All you need is the internet and a device such as a laptop, tablet or phone.
To vote, you will need the PIN that is present on the Voter Information Letter you received in the mail and your full birth date.
Please watch this video which outlines the internet voting process.
What if I need more information or help?
If you have any difficulties, please email election@brighton.ca, call 613.475.0670 and press 3 or visit one of our Election Help Centres.
Election Help Centre Schedule
Brighton Public Library - 35 Alice Street, Brighton
October 17, 2022 10am-6pm
October 18, 2022 10am-8pm
October 19, 2022 10am-6pm
October 20, 2022 10am-8pm
October 21, 2022 10am-6pm
October 22, 2022 10am-4pm
October 24, 2022 10am-8pm
Codrington Library - 2992 County Road 30, Codrington
October 18, 2022 9:30am-12:30pm
October 23, 2022 10am-1pm
Smithfield Carman United Church, 872 Smith Street, Brighton
October 20, 2022 1pm-5pm
Voters' List
If you are an Ontario resident over the age of 18, you should confirm that you are on the voters' list. Verify that your information is correct and if necessary, change your school support for electoral purposes or add additional names of those who live at your address.
Updating this information will help ensure that municipal voters’ lists are accurate and up to date in preparation for the 2022 municipal and school board elections.
Voter's List
Check MPAC’s List of Municipal & School Board Electors to ensure your information is accurate for the 2022 Municipal Election by clicking this link:
You must be eligible to vote in the municipality in order to run for a position on council.
On the day you file your nomination, you must be a Canadian citizen aged 18 or older, and qualify as a resident or non-resident elector.
You must be eligible to hold office on the day you file your nomination. For example, a person who is 17 years old but will turn 18 before the end of the nomination period must wait until they have turned 18 to file their nomination.
You must file the appropriate paperwork when you submit your nomination - documents will be available soon.
Running for School Board Trustee
In order to run for a trustee position on a school board you must be a resident within the jurisdiction of the board, and you must be eligible to vote in a school board election.
On the day you file your nomination, you must be a Canadian citizen aged 18 or older, and you must meet any other qualifications to vote for the school board (for example, being a Roman Catholic, or holding French language rights).
You must file the appropriate paperwork when you submit your nomination - documents will be available soon.
How does nomination work?
When and how is nomination done?
Candidates who intend to run in the 2022 Municipal Election must file all necessary documentation along with the required filing fee during the nomination period, which runs from May 2 – August 19, 2022.
Nomination Day on August 19, 2022 is the last day to file a nomination, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Filing must be done in person or by an agent (not by mail, email or fax) with the Clerk at 35 Alice Street, Brighton, ON during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Nomination Requirements
Along with the following nomination requirements, candidates may need to fill out additional documentation at the time of nomination.
Requirements
Identification for proof of identity (ex. Driver's Licence, Passport, Birth Certificate, etc.)
A complete copy of the Nomination Paper (Form 1)
Filing Fee (to be returned upon successful filing of your campaign financial statement)
$200 for Mayoral candidates
$100 for Deputy Mayor, Councillor or School Board Trustee candidates
A declaration of qualification (Form 2) from 25 individuals endorsing the nomination (Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Council candidates only)
each person who signs the candidate's endorsement may endorse more than one nomination
all persons endorsing a nomination must be eligible to vote in an election for an office within Brighton, if a regular election was held on the day that the person endorses the nomination
endorsements must be completed and signed on Form 2
School Board Trustee candidates do not require endorsements
What positions can I run for?
The 2022 Municipal Election is for the following positions:
1 Mayor
1 Deputy Mayor
5 Councillors
1 Trustee for the English Language Public District School Board
1 Trustee for the English Language Separate District School Board
1 Trustee for the French Language Public School Board
1 Trustee for the French Language Separate School Board
To represent the public and to consider the well-being and interests of the municipality;
To develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the municipality;
To determine which services the municipality provides;
To ensure that administrative policies, practices and procedures and controllership policies, practices and procedures are in place to implement the decisions of council;
To ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality, including the activities of the senior management of the municipality;
To maintain the financial integrity of the municipality; and
To carry out the duties of council under this or any other Act.
To act as chief executive officer of the municipality;
Preside over council meetings so that its business can be carried out efficiently and effectively;
To provide leadership to the council;
Without limiting clause, to provide information and recommendations to the council with respect to the role of council described in clauses 224 (d) and (d.1);
To represent the municipality at official functions; and
To carry out the duties of the head of council under this or any other Act.
As chief executive officer of a municipality, the head of council shall,
uphold and promote the purposes of the municipality;
promote public involvement in the municipality’s activities;
act as the representative of the municipality both within and outside the municipality, and promote the municipality locally, nationally and internationally; and
participate in and foster activities that enhance the economic, social and environmental well-being of the municipality and its residents.
Additional Roles of Deputy Mayor
alternate member for County Council if Head of Council is unable to attend
holds all duties, rights, powers and authority of the Head of Council during the absence, illness or refusal to act by the Head of Council
Other Roles for Members of Council
Attendance at municipal functions and ceremonies
community groups meetings like service clubs or charity groups
Individual constituent meetings
Committees of Council
Time Commitments
Regular Meetings of Council - 4-10 hours/month
Special Meetings of Council - possibly 2-6 hours/month
Council Meeting agenda review and reading - 4-6 hours/month
Committee Meetings - varies 6 hours/month
Constituent issues - varies 20 hours/month
Processing emails, phone calls, research - 10-15 hours/month
Attendance at conferences, community events, training opportunities - varies
What do I need to know about campaigning?
A complete Candidates' Information Guide is coming soon and an information session for candidates will be held. Please review the Use of Corporate Resources for Election Purposes Policy for information regarding using Brighton logos or images as well as campaigning at public events.
You may set up a campaign office on private property. Please be aware that you may not put up signs on the exterior or in the windows of the office that promote your candidacy prior to the date when signs are permitted. Prior to that date, signs may state your name only.
Be advised that all candidates must open a campaign bank account.
Financial Reporting Requirements
All candidates (including acclaimed or withdrawn candidates) are required to file a financial statement using the prescribed form. It is good practice for campaigns to review the Financial Statement form prior to incurring any contributions or expenses, and arrange their accounts, spreadsheets, and ledgers according to the various categories that are required to be reported on the form. Candidates, whose campaign contributions and total expenses exceed $10,000.00 are required to file an auditor’s report with their financial statement that has been prepared by an auditor licenced under the Public Accounting Act.
Financial statements are due in the Clerk’s Office at the Municipal Centre (35 Alice Street, Brighton, ON) between January 3, 2023 and 2:00 p.m. on March 31, 2023. Complete and signed financial statements may be filed electronically to cdoiron@brighton.ca during the prescribed filing period. The date of the electronic submission shall be the official date received.
Note: The entire Financial Report is considered a public document. These documents may be inspected by any person upon request at the Office of the Clerk during normal office hours, and will also be available online. Any person may make extracts from the documents and is entitled to copies. Clerks are required to make the documents available electronically, at no cost to the requester.
All financial reports are posted on brighton.ca. This includes a listing of the names and address of all contributors. You may wish to consider advising contributors that their personal information will be public and displayed on the Municipal web site after the election. The information remains on the website until after the next municipal election.
A Third Party Advertisement is a message in any medium, i.e., signs, billboard, newspaper, radio, etc. promoting or opposing a candidate, or a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to a question, referendum, or an issue associated with a person or political party participating in an election. Advertising that does not cost money to post or broadcast, such as comments made on social media or email, is not considered a Third Party Advertisement.
Third Party Advertisers may not spend more than the limit identified on the Certificate of Maximum Permitted Expenses which will be provided once the Third Party has registered. Third Party Advertisers can only incur expenses during the campaign period, which begins on the day the Third Party Advertiser registers with the Clerk and ends on December 31, 2022.
Who can register as a Third Party?
Individuals, corporations and trade unions are eligible to register as a Third Party Advertiser, provided they register with the Clerk. Registrations may be filed between May 2, 2022 and October 21, 2022. Please refer to the Third Party Information Package, for all required forms and additional information.
The following are not permitted to register as a Third Party Advertiser:
individuals who have filed nomination papers with the Clerk (or anyone under their direction);
federal and provincial political parties, constituency associations, registered candidates and leadership contestants; and,
federal and provincial governments, a municipality or school board.
