Ontario municipal candidate numbers continue to fall ahead of election

Researchers and civic groups are watching Ontario’s municipal nomination period closely as the province heads toward elections in 444 municipalities later this year. The CBC report says candidate numbers have declined over several election cycles, with fewer people running for local office and more races ending by acclamation. In 2010, more than 8,000 candidates entered Ontario municipal races, compared with 6,325 in 2022. Voter turnout has also fallen, dropping from about 44% in 2010 to 36.3% in 2022. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario has tried to respond with workshops aimed at encouraging more residents, including racialized Ontarians, women and Indigenous people, to consider running. Researchers say low pay, heavy workloads, and a more hostile political climate are discouraging wouldbe candidates, though some local races, including in London, are seeing stronger participation. Candidates have until Aug. 21 to file their papers.