With the upcoming municipal election in Oshawa, a change in city hall leadership is on the horizon. Nine contenders are vying to succeed outgoing Mayor Dan Carter. However, the voter turnout in the 2022 election was low, with only 18.4% of eligible Oshawa residents casting their ballots. The overall voter turnout for Durham Region was slightly higher, just under 24%.
This year, Oshawa residents have the option to vote online for the first time. To participate in the election, individuals must be listed on the voters’ roll. Registration can be done in person at the voter assistance center located at Oshawa City Hall, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Friday. Alternatively, residents can register on election day at designated voter assistance centers in their wards.
For online voting, registration must be completed before 6 p.m. on election day. Voters will receive a unique voting pin and link via email or text message after registration. Assistance in using the online voting system is available at voter assistance centers.
On election day, in-person voting is also an option at various voter assistance centers across the city. Accessible voting equipment is available at Oshawa City Hall for those in need. Proper identification and access to email or text messages are required for voting both online and in person.
With six of the nine mayoral candidates participating in a recent debate, residents are encouraged to stay informed. The candidates bring varied backgrounds and priorities to the table, each advocating for different solutions to issues such as homelessness and downtown revitalization. The race for mayor is heating up, with each candidate vying for the support of Oshawa residents.
By offering multiple voting options and increasing voter engagement, Oshawa aims to improve participation in the democratic process and ensure that residents have a say in shaping the future of their city.
