Seasonal residents who plan to vote in this fall’s municipal elections are being urged to confirm they are on the voters list, with the Muskoka Lakes Association warning that some eligible voters may have been removed following changes to how the list is managed.
In an email to members, the association said second-property owners and long-term renters should verify their registration before Aug. 12, even if they have voted in previous municipal elections.
According to the MLA, responsibility for maintaining Ontario’s municipal voters list has shifted from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) to Elections Ontario since the last election. The association says the change has resulted in some seasonal property owners and their spouses being omitted from the list.
People who need to re-register may be asked to provide documentation such as proof of property ownership, tax roll numbers, government-issued identification, marriage certificates or joint utility bills.
The MLA is encouraging eligible voters to check their registration at registertovoteon.ca, by calling Elections Ontario at 1-866-242-3025, or by contacting their local municipal clerk.
Municipal clerks will assume responsibility for managing voters lists after Aug. 12, ahead of Ontario’s municipal election on Oct. 26.
The association says it has raised concerns about the omissions with municipal and provincial politicians and is working with other organizations to spread awareness before the deadline. It has also launched an information campaign encouraging seasonal residents to confirm their registration.
“Voting in municipal elections is critical, as municipal councils make decisions that can have a big impact on cottage life, including rules about building, planning permissions and services such as roads and garbage,” MLA President Ken Pearce said.
Under Ontario’s municipal election rules, Canadian citizens who are at least 18 years old—and their spouses—may vote in the municipality where they own or rent property, even if they also vote in the municipality of their permanent residence.
The association represents more than 2,200 member families and nearly 3,000 supporters, promoting water quality, responsible development and environmental stewardship throughout Muskoka.
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