Originally Published October 13, 2022
Yes, we may have just recently held a provincial election, but Monday, October 24th, 2022, is municipal voting day in Ontario! Are you planning to vote? Have you asked people you support if they would like to vote, or if they need support in voting?
Municipal governments are an important part of the Canadian political system, and it is important to elect candidates who will represent our respective interests if possible. Municipal governments not only make decisions about services provided to their communities, such as power, garbage collection, water, sewage, public transit and community spaces (like parks and recreation centres), but they also make decisions about local schools and curriculum, zoning and construction bi-laws, police services, and health services. They are responsible to help build inclusive communities by making public transit, design of public paths and spaces, public facilities and services and community events more accessible.
Any citizen of Canada who is 18 years or older and is a resident, landowner or tenant within a city or municipality is eligible to vote within that municipality. Many residents may have received voter information cards from their municipality. But even if you have not received a card, you can still vote if you are eligible.
If you plan to vote, make sure to bring two pieces of identification; one to prove your age (e.g., Birth Certificate, Citizenship Card, Passport) and another to prove your residence (e.g., something that shows your address).
Advanced voting options may already be available in your municipality. All municipalities will have an election day on October 24th, 2022. For more information about your municipality, please refer to your municipality’s website. If you or someone you know has questions or would like to share your stories about voting, please feel free to email jradstake@christian-horizons.org.