2026 Cobourg Municipal Election - Voter Privacy Reminders
Cobourg, ON (October 6, 2026) – The Town of Cobourg Legislative Services Division would like to remind residents of their rights related to voter privacy as we near the opening of the Voting Period for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election.
As we approach the Voting Period (Friday, October 16 at 9 a.m. to Monday, October 26 at 8 p.m.), it’s important for Cobourg electors to know how to protect the principles of voter secrecy and privacy under the Municipal Elections Act.
For example, the law provides that:
- When you are voting, no one may attempt to influence your voting choices, or interfere with your marking of the ballot;
- No one may attempt to obtain information about how you intend to vote, or how you did vote.
Residents can help protect voter privacy and secrecy, and prevent undue interference while voting by following these simple tips below:
Cast your ballot privately. Although the Internet voting option will allow voters to cast a ballot from virtually anywhere, casting a ballot should still be a private exercise. Find a quiet, private place to cast your ballot, free from interference or close observation by others.
Protect your PIN. Your secret Voting PIN will arrive in the mail via Canada Post or may have already arrived. Although a PIN thief would need to know other personal information about you in order to steal and vote using your PIN, it’s still important for you to keep your PIN private and out of reach.
Don’t give away your vote. If you decide not to vote, destroy your PIN. Giving your PIN and your vote to another person is illegal.
Reject political interference while voting. While candidates and their teams are welcome to solicit your support throughout the campaign period, they must not interfere with a voter who is casting a ballot. Ensure that candidates and their campaign volunteers respect your privacy and do not pressure you while you are voting, as well as they shall not provide you with any candidate electronic devices to vote.
Keep your choices private. Remember that you are not obliged to share your voting choices with anyone, either before or after casting a ballot.
Voter Help Centres
If a voter needs assistance, they may contact the Town directly or use one of our three Voter Help Centres across Town during the Voting Period. The Town’s Clerk’s team will be managing the Voter Help Centres, to provide a safe and secure way for community members to cast their vote at a secure voting kiosk.
Voter Help Centre locations and hours include:
Victoria Hall
55 King Street West, Cobourg | Old Bailey Courtroom
October 16: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
October 19 to 25: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
October 26 (Election Day): 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cobourg Public Library
200 Ontario Street
October 19 to 23: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
October 26 (Election Day): 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cobourg Community Centre
750 D’Arcy Street
October 19 to 22: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
October 26 (Election Day): 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information and to stay up to date on the 2026 Cobourg Municipal and School Board Election, please visit www.CobourgVotes.ca.
Questions can be directed to the Town of Cobourg Clerk’s Office at cobourgvotes@cobourg.ca or 905-372-4301 extension 9520.