With the municipal election just two weeks away, people in parts of the region now have the chance to cast their votes early. Geraldine Manning, a resident of Kawartha Lakes, said, “That’s where your most local issues are handled, and I’ve always said if you don’t vote, you have no right to complain.” In Brechin, online and telephone advance polling began Thursday. The first of three advance paper voting days is Saturday. Ramara had one of the highest voter turnout rates in the province in the last election at about 36 per cent. The provincial average was 32.9 per cent. The township, like many across the province, is trying to make voting easy and fast. “We have added online forms that can make it convenient for people who may be travelling or live elsewhere but own property here, so they can check if they are on the voters’ list or request to be added to the voters’ list,” said Rebecca Zanussi, Ramara Township Clerk. “I’m going to be voting in the advance polls, so I’m hoping to see some other folks there as well, but we’ll see what happens,” said resident Dave Ward. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) says there has been an uptick in the number of candidates across the province. Only one-third are women, and AMO says 85 per cent of all government services and programs are delivered at the municipal level. “People may not see issues being debated or discussed at the city level as often as they see the prime minister or premier on the news every night, but municipal government is the level of government that impacts people the most,” said Riley Brockington, President of AMO. You are eligible to vote if you are a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, and qualify to vote in your municipality. People can qualify to vote in more than one municipality. Dave Nelson of Lagoon City said, “I believe people don’t think they really have a say, which is totally false. You do have a say.” Voter turnout in the last municipal election was very low across the province, at just under 33 per cent. Election officials are hoping the numerous voting dates and methods will help increase that number this time around. The election itself will be held on Monday, Oct. 26.
