Ontario sees modest gains in municipal election competition

A new analysis of Ontario's municipal elections suggests small improvements in competition, including fewer uncontested races and a slight rise in the share of firsttime candidates. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario said 414 municipalities will hold elections next month. Nearly one in four mayors, reeves and other council leaders have been acclaimed, though that is lower than in the past two election cycles. The report also found that 400 candidates are running unopposed, and 68% of candidates have never held municipal office, up two points from 2022. The share of female candidates rose by one point to 32%. Lindsay Jones, the association's executive director, said the figures show more Ontarians are stepping forward to run, but added that stronger local democracy still depends on continued effort.