Choose wisely in municipal elections

Vamini Selvanandan

Municipal elections are upon us, and with them comes another opportunity to exercise our democratic right to vote. Elections remind us that we live in a society governed by the people. This is a privilege we cannot take for granted. Choosing leaders who will represent us – and holding them accountable—is both our right and our responsibility.

Of the three levels of government in Canada, municipalities are the closest to our daily lives. They manage essential services we often overlook: clean drinking water, garbage collection, public transit, libraries, recreation facilities, and fire protection. They maintain the roads, parks, and arenas that shape the rhythm of community life.

Municipal leaders are also the most accessible politicians we have. They live in the same neighbourhoods, shop at the same stores, and send their children to the same schools. Perhaps that’s why Canadians consistently report greater trust in their municipal governments than in provincial or federal ones.

And yet, municipal politics suffers from a peculiar imbalance: incumbents almost always win. Across the country, 80 to 90 percent of sitting councillors and mayors who run for re-election succeed. Sometimes this reflects strong performance, but often it comes down to name recognition or the assumption that incumbents “must be doing something right.” In smaller towns, many face no challengers at all and are simply acclaimed.

This matters. A healthy democracy depends on competition of ideas, not automatic re-endorsement of the familiar. When elections become rubber stamps, we lose opportunities for new voices, fresh perspectives, and creative solutions.

That’s why voters need to dig deeper. Don’t vote out of habit. Learn about the candidates – whether incumbents or challengers. Most municipalities publish candidate lists and biographies online, often with links to campaign websites. Many contenders release platforms online or in print. Debates and forums offer a chance to hear them in their own words and to see how they handle tough questions.

As voters, we should use these tools. Read platforms carefully. Check incumbents’ voting records on issues that matter to you. Attend a debate, or at least watch a recording. Ask yourself: does this candidate think critically about problems? Do they understand the issues in depth? Are they prepared to make decisions that balance long-term economic, environmental, and social needs?

Equally important is knowing what to avoid. Beware of easy solutions that don’t address root causes, or quick fixes that push problems into the future. Be skeptical of vague answers or politicians who try to pass the buck to other levels of government. Consultation and studies are valuable, but they must not become excuses for needless delay in solving problems.

We, as citizens, can set the agenda by asking hard questions. How will candidates make housing more affordable? How will they prepare our communities for climate change? What concrete steps will they take to improve quality of life – not just promises, but plans?

Don’t wait for answers to come to you. Email candidates, speak up at debates, or engage them when they knock on your door. Tell them what matters and make your voice impossible to ignore.

Municipal elections may not draw the headlines of provincial or federal campaigns, but their impact on our lives is profound. This is our chance to shape the future of our neighbourhoods, our services, and our communities.

So don’t just cast a ballot – cast an informed one. Ask questions. Demand answers. Hold candidates to account. Your voice, your vote, and your choices will determine the direction of your community for years to come. Democracy works best when we all take it seriously. Let’s not waste this chance to shape the future right where we live.

Vamini Selvanandan is a rural family physician and public health practitioner in Alberta. For more articles like this, visit http://www.engagedcitizen.ca.