Decoding: Municipal Elections

by Apathy is Boring — April 23, 2010

Municipal elections tend to be ignored when talking about getting politically involved. While the percentage of people voting in federal and provincial elections is low enough, the figures for municipal elections are often even lower. For instance, in the November 2009 elections in Quebec, voter participation was down between 15%-20%, despite an intensive campaign to get more citizens involved.

Why care?

The municipal level of government in Quebec spends about $12.5 billion a year! They govern a huge part of our lives and use up a nice chunk of our tax dollars. In reality, municipalities control a lot of things that affect us all the time, like zoning permits, input into schooling, garbage and snow removal, as well as policing and fire departments. And someone has to take care of those potholes! Essentially, municipal governments take care of issues that matter to us in day to day life.

How it works

Being on a much smaller scale than provincial or federal elections, municipal elections are pretty easy to understand. They fall under the control of the provinces and territories, which set the rules and dates for all municipal elections. They most often are held to elect Mayors and City Councilors, as well as School Board Members or Trustees. This will vary according to the specific municipality, and voting from municipality to another will be different; you can consult your province or territory's elections website for specifics (see below). Municipal elections are held every two, three, or four years, depending on the province or territory.

Voting in local elections is heavily encouraged––it is often the simplest way to make an noticeable impact on your life. Changes made through local government often seem more concrete or substantial than those in federal government, so it can be pretty rewarding. Plus, it is the first and best place to get involved in politics, should you be so inclined! Basically, whether through voting or by running for office yourself, you can make a huge difference relatively quickly and easily.

In short, municipal elections are often overlooked unfairly, considering the big impact that they ultimately have. Check out the Public Service Commission website to find your next voting date, and make sure to go out in droves.

Sources: Annex 2 - Upcoming Elections." Public Service Commission of Canada

'Voter apathy is eating Quebec at party financing: jury Montreal Gazette - Canwest Publishing - Jan 16, 2010