The Ontario government passed sweeping legislation on Tuesday (June 7, 2016) Â that governs the 2018 municipal elections and beyond. The legislation gives municipalities:
- the option of using ranked ballots to elect councillors
- bans corporate and union donations
- shortens the campaign period
- allows regulation of 3rd party advertising
Ranked balloting is likely the biggest change that voters in Brampton will notice if the city takes action to implement. A ranked ballot allows a voter to prioritize candidates in order of preference. Advocates say that the winner in a ranked ballot election has a greater mandate as support is provided from a majority of voters. They argue that candidates also have to be more civil in the campaign and engage more with voters to create broader support for their candidacy.
Had a ranked ballot been implemented in Brampton for the 2016 elections, the following elected officials would have likely earned enough voter support to win their election:
- Linda Jeffrey, Mayor (49.3%)
- Grant Gibson, City Councillor Ward 1/5 (44.2%)
- Elaine Moore, Regional Councillor Ward 1/5 (52.1%)
- Pat Fortini, City Councillor Ward 7/8 (39.3%)
- Gael Miles, Regional Councillor Ward 7/8 (50.4%)
The following elected officials would likely have received a significant challenge to winning their election:
- Doug Whillans, City Councillor Ward 2/6 (25.4%)
- Michael Palleschi, Regional Councillor Ward 2/6 (36.1%)
- Jeff Bowman, City Councillor Ward 3/4 (25.0%)
- Martin Medeiros, Regional Councillor Ward 3/4 (21.9%)
- Gurpreet Dhillon, City Councillor Ward 9/10 (41.0%)
- John Sproveiri, Regional Councillor Ward 9/10 (29.1%)
Debate in the 444 municipalities across Ontario about implementing ranked ballots for 2018 is sure to be interesting. Reasons for not implementing will likely be lengthy, however, the province has given ample time to prepare. Will Brampton’s council make the right decision?
See News Release:
Ontario Passes Legislation to Allow Ranked Ballot Option for Municipal Elections
