Territory Without Municipal Organization (TWOMO) Election 2026
Did you know the District of Rainy River Services Board (DRRSB) is responsible for administering local elections in the Territory Without Municipal Organization (TWOMO), also known as the unincorporated area?
Elections in TWOMOs are held the same day that municipal elections are held. This year’s municipal and TWOMO elections will be held on October 26, 2026.
The DRRSB has three (3) spaces the represent the TWOMO area:
- 1 member represents Rainy River District East – Spohn, Pratt, Sutherland, Nelles, Rowe, Menary, McLarty, Senn, Fleming, Kingsford, Dance
- 1 member represents Rainy River District Central – Griesinger, Miscampbell, Watten, Halkirk, Farrington
- 1 member represents Rainy River District West – Bennett, Tanner, Asmussen, Baker, McCaul, Ramsay Wright, Hutchinson, Trottier, Weaver
Do you reside in one of these areas and are you interested in becoming a Candidate?
Qualifications of Members Elected to Represent Territories Without Municipal Organization:
The Regulation made under the DSSAB Act outlines the qualifications of members and the term of office.
Section 3.1(2) of the Regulation provides that:
“A member of a board … who represents a territory without municipal organization shall be a Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years of age, and
- a permanent resident of the territory without municipal organization*; or
- an owner or tenant of property in the territory without municipal organization; or
- the spouse of an owner or tenant of property in the territory without municipal organization.”
Those disqualified from seeking to represent TWOMO include:
- An employee of the DSSAB.
- Except during a leave of absence under Section 30 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, an employee of a municipality within the DSSAB service area and as defined in the Municipal Affairs Act, 1990. An employee must be on leave as of the day they are nominated. If elected to office, the employee is deemed to have resigned from employment.
- A judge of any court.
- A member of the Assembly (Ontario Legislature).
- A member of the House of Commons.
- A member of the Senate.
- Anyone who holds one or more office(s), election of which is governed by the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 and/or the District Social Services Administration Boards Act.
- A Crown Employee within the meaning of the Public Service Act who is a Deputy Minister or who is in a position or classification designated in the regulations made under that Act for the purposes of Section 11 thereof.
- A person who is serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institution, including a sentence being served in the evenings or on weekends.
- A corporation.
- A person who was convicted of the corrupt practice described in Subsection 90(3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 if Voting Day in the current election is less than four years after Voting Day in the election in respect of which he or she was convicted.
- A person who was convicted of the corrupt practice described in Subsection 91(1) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 if Voting Day in the current election is less than six years after Voting Day in the election in respect of which he or she was convicted.
- A person disqualified for violations of financial requirements or violations of requirements for filing financial information.
- Otherwise ineligible or disqualified under the Municipal Act, 2001 or any other Act.
Note that a candidate who is running for municipal office may run as a member to represent a DSSAB, but if elected to both positions, is permitted to hold only one office.
The Nomination Process
Qualified individuals choosing to run in the TWOMO election must complete the Nomination Papers. Link to the PDF is below. Paper copies of the nomination form can be picked up at 450 Scott Street, Fort Frances during regular business hours.
Nominations must be submitted by 2:00 pm on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Nominations can be submitted by email to connect@rrdssab.ca, faxed to 807-274-57291, mailed to 450 Scott Street, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 1H2 or dropped off at 450 Scott Street in Fort Frances, Ontario.
Voter Information
The District of Rainy River Services Board will be using a Vote-by-Mail process. Voting by mail offers eligible voters a convenient, flexible, and secure method to submit their vote prior to Election Day.
Voter kits will be mailed to persons whose name appears on the Voter’s List. The elector’s details will be updated on the Voter’s List to show that the elector has been provided a ballot.
Until August 12, 2026, electors can visit RegisterToVoteON.ca to confirm, update, or add their information to the voter list. Between August 13 and September 11, 2026, electors will need to register by emailing connect@rrdssab.ca to receive a Voters Kit by mail. After September 11, 2026, electors can obtain a kit in person from the DRRSB Returning Office at 450 Scott Street, Fort Frances, Ontario. Proof of eligibility will be required to add your name to the list.