Tessa Swanton (Townson), Bruce Peninsula Press
A telephone interview with the St. Edmunds Property Owners (SEPO) President, David Almack, exposed a troublesome reality with the 2026 Municipal Voters List.
Almack is the owner of three cottage properties in MNBP, one for over 65 summers. He recounted visiting the Elections Ontario website in the summer (www.registertovoteon.ca) which confirmed he and his wife were on the list, but his daughter, who is a co-owner, was not.
Register To Vote closed on August 12.
Fast forward to now, Almack contacted the Municipal Office to ensure he was on the list. He was told that he was not, but his daughter was listed. Strangely, a complete stranger was also on the list under his property address. It has since been removed.
Almack described the Municipal Office staff as very helpful in correcting his electoral information. Initially, he was asked to come in person to the office to make the correction, which he said was “absurd” as he had already used Elections Ontario to verify he was on the list. He said that staff are now being flexible in assisting electors over the phone or by email.
Elections Ontario now manages the municipal Voters List. The list was previously managed by the Municipal Assessment Property Corporation (MPAC). This change was made on January 1, 2024.
Voters List inconsistencies have been identified for several municipal elections across the province. The recent change in list management has potentially made the list even more inaccurate than before.
The Municipal website states that electors are encouraged to contact the Clerk’s Department directly to check if they are on the list by emailing election@northernbruce.ca or calling 1-833-793-3537 ext 236. You can also visit the Municipal Office in person at 56 Lindsay Road 5. To add yourself to the list, you must show a government ID (if the ID does not show your MNBP address, proof of tenancy or ownership may be required).
Key Upcoming Election Dates
Electors are expected to receive their ballots by mail mid-October with instructions on how to cast your ballot by internet or telephone.
The Voting Period runs from October 19 at 10am to October 26 (Voting Day) at 8pm. Results will be declared as soon as possible.
Looking for more information? Visit www.northbrucepeninsula.ca/elections or follow the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula on Facebook.
