We are now three weeks away from Election Day on Monday, October 24th, with advance polls opening this coming weekend. Adam Donaldson wrote a compelling column on Guelph Today last week, calling on Guelph citizens to Get Involved and reminding us that only we can prevent voter apathy in this year’s election.
I know that even I struggle to keep track of all the candidates sometimes. It’s overwhelming to say the least! That’s why we wrote this blog – so that you and your network can more easily access the information you need to make an informed decision at the polls.
How can I find out more about the candidates?
Live Candidate Forums at 10C
There was a live, in-person forum for candidates from Wards 1, 2 & 3 at 10C at 42 Carden St. on Wednesday, October 5th from 4 pm – 6 pm. Watch the recording of this event here.
The in-person forum for Wards 4, 5 & 6 will take place at 10C on Wednesday, October 12th from 4 pm – 6 pm. Register in advance here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/guelph-municipal-election-public-forum-ward-4-5-6-tickets-423552967327. During the registration process you will be asked if you would like to submit a question.
Live Mayoral Debate at Dublin St. United Church
An in-person Mayoral debate is happening at Dublin St. United Church on Tuesday, October 11th at 7 pm. (Info is in the attached poster).
Ward Candidate Forums
There will be a live, on-line event on Thursday, October 6th from 7 – 8:30 pm for Ward candidates.
Ward 1 https://tinyurl.com/4nfw4eez
Ward 2 https://tinyurl.com/4tfajasc
Ward 3 https://tinyurl.com/mwurcs7x
Ward 4 https://tinyurl.com/3cwmfns9
Ward 5 https://tinyurl.com/39wtdp65
Ward 6 https://tinyurl.com/hw7mcc68
Q&A Sessions
The Chamber of Commerce has pre-recorded question and answer sessions with mayoral and ward candidates. Those recordings are now available on their Youtube channel.
Check Out a Podcast
You can listen to Adam’s interviews with candidates on his radio show, Open Sources Guelph.
Election-focused podcast episodes will be posted on the Breezy Breakfast Radio Hour.
How can I support candidates?
Candidates make enormous personal sacrifices of time, money and privacy in order to run for office.
Donate (If You Can).
It costs around $6,000 – $7,000 to run a successful campaign for a Ward Council seat and much more for the Mayoral campaign. Individuals with connections to the Development industry fund candidates who will represent their interests. Citizens need to put gas in the tank of candidates who will represent their interests.
Show Your Support with a Lawn Sign.
Name recognition plays a key role in getting elected. You can demonstrate your support and help with name recognition by taking a lawn sign.
Volunteer Your Time.
Candidates need help with delivering signs and literature and knocking on doors. The number of volunteers can make a huge difference to a campaign.
Spread the Word!
Talk to friends and neighbours about the election and who you are supporting. Make sure people know where and how they can vote.
Information on where and how to vote is available on the City of Guelph’s website
