The Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA) is encouraging seasonal property owners and long-term renters to check their voter registration ahead of this year’s municipal election.
The MLA said some residents may have been removed from the voters list, even if they have voted in previous municipal elections, and will need to re-register by August 12, as that is when responsibility for the voters list will transfer from Elections Ontario to municipal clerks.
According to the MLA, the issue stems from a change in how Ontario’s municipal voters list is managed. Responsibility for maintaining the list shifted from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation to Elections Ontario following the last municipal election. As a result, the MLA said some seasonal property owners and their spouses have been omitted from the voters’ list for the municipalities where they own cottages or second homes.
The MLA said they have raised the issue with municipal and provincial officials and are collaborating with other organizations to spread awareness.
MLA President Ken Pearce said participating in municipal elections is very important for seasonal residents.
“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,” Pearce said.
The MLA is urging residents to check their voter registration through Elections Ontario or by calling their local municipal clerk.
The municipal election takes place on October 26.
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