With polls for the 2026 municipal election opening for some County residents next weekend, Haliburton Highlands Healthy Democracy Project (HHHDP) chair, Lauren Hunter, said there are still opportunities for voters to learn about candidate platforms.
The volunteer group organized all candidates’ meetings in all four local townships, with sessions in Cardiff Sept. 12 and Minden Hills Sept. 19. This Saturday (Oct. 3), Dysart et al council hopefuls will gather at the Haliburton Legion to share their platforms and answer questions. The event will run from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
After a dismal showing four years ago – both in terms of the number of candidates seeking election and voter turnout – Hunter said there’s a noticeable increase in interest this go around.
“Compared to the last municipal election, where half of the elected seats were acclaimed, there has only been one acclamation to office for this coming term. There are now 58 community leaders seeking election across the four townships… as well as for the trustee position on the Trillium Lakelands District School Board,” Hunter said.
She noted more than 100 people attended the Highlands East debate, with another 350 watching it online. There were about 215 people on hand for the Minden Hills forum, with another 300-plus views online.
Other candidate meetings have also been organized by the Highlands East Lakes Organization, Oxtongue Lake Association and Kennisis Lake Cottage Owners’ Association, Hunter said, to much success.
“There are likely many factors leading to the increase we have seen so far in community engagement in our local politics,” Hunter said, noting the sessions have been helpful for both voters and candidates.
“Comments have included: ‘without your information… I don’t know if I would have decided to run for council. It’s a big adventure you’ve been able to remove some of the fear from.’,” Hunter added, saying the virtual sessions have been popular with cottagers.
HHHDP’s Barrie Martin said postcards with important voting information for each township will be mailed out soon, while a ‘candidate menu’ will be available online at www.hhhdp.ca.
Voting will begin in Minden Hills Oct. 10, with in-person, phone and online ballots all available. It’s phone and online voting only in Algonquin Highlands, Dysart et al and Highlands East, starting Oct. 16. Polls close Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.
“In 2022, the average voter turnout across Haliburton County was just 26 per cent. We know we can do better this time,” Hunter said.
HHHDP is also hosting an event for Algonquin Highlands candidates Oct. 17 at the Stanhope Firefighters’ Community Hall, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Also next week, Minden Rotary is holding a candidates’ forum at the Minden Community Centre Monday (Oct. 5). Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
