NEXTNiagara’s Municipal Election Guide: How to play an active role
DO YOUR RESEARCH:
No matter where you live in Niagara, young voters (18+) will head to the polls on October 24, 2022 to vote for the following governing bodies:
- The Mayor of your city
- City Councillors
- Niagara Region Councillors to represent your city
- School Board Trustees for the school board you support (English Public/Catholic, French Public/Catholic)
These are important roles, so it is essential to do your research. Here are NEXTNiagara’s top spots for finding the information you need to make informed decisions on election day:
- Local News: Local journalists are hard at work during election season to assemble profiles of local candidates. View our spreadsheet of all up to date Candidate Profiles from Niagara This Week.
- Social Media: Many municipal candidates are actively engaging with constituents on various Social Media platforms. A quick search can help you identify (1) the position your candidate takes on specific issues and (2) how eager they are to participate in discussions with concerned citizens.
- Connect with Candidates: Candidates should have contact information for voters to reach them. The candidates are working to secure your vote, so reach out with the questions you have to help you make an informed decision and assess candidate responses and how they align with what is important to you in a candidate and for your community.
- Niagara Votes: This resource is a partnership between Niagara’s 12 local municipalities and Niagara Region. The partnership aims to streamline communications activities to ensure candidates and electors are well informed of key dates, information and important changes related to the 2022 municipal and school board election.
Ask the tough questions
Candid conversations with candidates are important but we know it can be tough to figure out where to start.
Once you’ve done your research (see previous page), ask yourself these questions to identify gaps in candidate platforms:
- What day-to-day challenges do I see/experience in my city/Niagara Region?
- What community services/public spaces do I access and care about?
- What are my priorities/concerns this year? In 2 years? In 5 years?
Look at the GNCC’s 2022 Municipal Election Platform to inspire what to look for in a candidate platform. Consider some of the core issues NEXTNiagara is looking for in candidate platforms.
Affordable Housing
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Job Availability
Poverty Reduction
Accessible Communities
Property Taxes
Transit Solutions
Maintaining Community Infrastructure
Child Care
It’s the responsibility of candidates to make their platforms available. If something is missing, reach out to the candidate and ask about it!
Remember: No response is an answer.
Make a Voting Plan
Your city’s website will help you to identify your polling locations on October 24. Niagara Region’s Municipal Election Landing Page will link you directly to your municipalities election information. Your voter card will also have voter location information.
The Paperwork: Do you have valid ID ready? All voters are required to have proof of identification prior to voting.
NEXTNiagara Tip: If your municipality offers it, skip the line with advanced or internet voting.
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