The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) will hold a Special Election this fall to fill the vacant District 9 Council seat following the resignation of Councillor Ben Brooks, which was effective on July 14, 2026.
At a special meeting on August 4, 2026, Council approved the dates and administrative requirements required to conduct the election in accordance with Nova Scotia's Municipal Elections Act.
Residents of District 9 will be able to cast their ballots using electronic voting, which has been successfully used in previous municipal elections and provides a secure, convenient, and accessible way for eligible voters to participate online or via telephone.
The Municipality has established a dedicated District 9 Special Election page on Engage MODL, which will serve as the central source of information for residents, candidates, and voters throughout the election process.
Key election dates
- Nomination Day: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
- Advance Polling Day: Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Election Day (Ordinary Polling Day): Saturday, October 17, 2026
Council also appointed April Whynot-Lohnes, Municipal Clerk, as Returning Officer for the Special Election and delegated authority to the Chief Administrative Officer to appoint an Assistant Returning Officer if required.
Encouraging participation
Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile encouraged eligible residents to consider participating in the election process.
"Strong local government depends on community participation. This Special Election provides District 9 residents with an opportunity to choose who will represent their interests at the Council table,” said McLean-Wile. “We encourage anyone interested in serving their community to learn more about becoming a candidate and encourage all eligible voters to take part in the election."
Information for prospective candidates
Individuals interested in running for the District 9 Council seat must submit their nomination papers by Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Information about candidate eligibility, nomination requirements, election procedures, and important deadlines will be available through Engage MODL.
Your source for election information
Over the coming weeks, the Municipality will launch a communications campaign to ensure District 9 residents have the information they need to participate in the election.
Election information will be shared through news releases, social media, advertisements, and other public information channels, with all election-related information housed on Engage MODL.
Residents can visit Engage MODL to access:
- Election dates and deadlines
- Candidate information
- Voter eligibility information
- Electronic voting instructions
- Frequently asked questions
- Voter assistance resources
- Election updates and announcements
The estimated cost of the Special Election is approximately $23,000, which will be funded through the Municipality's Election Reserve and will not impact the Municipality's 2026-2027 operating budget.
For the latest information on the District 9 Special Election, visit Engage MODL.
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Media Contact
Sherri Turner
Communications and Public Engagement Officer
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902-541-1328