Declining Municipal Candidate Numbers in Ontario Raise Concerns

For several years, Ontario has seen a consistent decrease in the number of candidates participating in municipal elections. This trend is raising concerns among researchers and civic organizations who fear it will lead to more uncontested races, known as acclamations, where a candidate wins without a vote.

Data from the past four election cycles shows a decline in overall candidate numbers, falling from over 8,000 in 2010 to 6,325 in 2022, a drop of more than 20 percent. This reduction in choice is linked to a decrease in voter turnout, which fell from 44 percent in 2010 to 36.3 percent in 2022.

Factors contributing to this decline include a perception of increased incivility and disrespect in local politics, low compensation for part-time council positions, and the growing complexity of municipal issues. Many potential candidates are deterred by the prospect of facing public scrutiny and potential abuse.

In response, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) launched initiatives like election primer workshops aimed at educating residents about local politics and encouraging diverse groups, including racialized Ontarians, women, and Indigenous people, to run for office. Over 6,000 people have attended these workshops.

Despite the concerning trends, some experts remain cautiously optimistic. They note that candidate nomination deadlines are still weeks away, and some races, particularly in larger urban centers like London, are showing increased participation compared to previous years. Efforts to promote civility and highlight the positive aspects of public service are ongoing.