Ward 5 voters head to the polls March 16, All Candidates event scheduled for next week

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Ward 5 residents will be heading to the polls soon for the byelection on March 16th to choose a new councillor for the ward’s vacant seat.

If you still need help deciding how to vote, the Brant County Federation of Agriculture is hosting an All Candidates meeting on Wednesday, March 11 beginning at 7 pm at the Onondaga Community Hall.  Bring your questions and meet the candidates.

County of Brant council received an information report at last Tuesday’s council meeting outlining voting options, eligibility and key dates for the 2026 Ward 5 byelection.

The byelection will fill one councillor vacancy in Ward 5 for the remainder of the 2022–2026 term. Advance voting runs from March 9 to March 15, with voting day scheduled for Monday, March 16.

Eligible voters must be at least 18 years old on election day, be Canadian citizens and either reside in Ward 5 or own or rent property there. Individuals who own property in Ward 5 but live in another ward of the county are not eligible to vote.

Voting will be conducted online and by telephone, beginning at 10 a.m. March 9 and closing at 8 p.m. March 16. 

In-person voter assistance will also be available at the Cainsville Community Centre on March 15 and 16, as well as at County of Brant library branches and customer service offices during regular hours.

Voter Information Letters (VILs) were mailed Feb. 20, with residents expected to begin receiving them as early as Feb. 23. The letter is required to cast a ballot. Those who do not receive or misplace their VIL are encouraged to contact the clerk’s department by March 9 for a replacement.

Registration is available online through the province’s voter registration system, by contacting the clerk’s department, or in person at designated locations, including the Cainsville Community Centre during advance voting and on election day.

Proxy voting is also permitted under the Municipal Elections Act using the prescribed form available through the county.

Election staff will operate roving polls during advance voting at Brucefield Manor Retirement Lodge and Hardy Terrace Long-Term Care Home to ensure eligible residents in those facilities can cast ballots.

The report notes that the byelection will be funded through the county’s existing election reserve.

Under the Municipal Elections Act, offences such as voting when not entitled, voting more than once or offering inducements in exchange for votes carry penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment. The successful candidate will serve Ward 5 residents for the balance of the current council term.