THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay has kicked off the 2022 municipal election season, providing notice of key dates and new ways to vote.
The city’s election website is now live, offering information to voters and potential candidates ahead of the Oct. 24 election.
The nomination period for candidates will open on May 2.
“As the returning officer for the municipal election, I’m pleased to officially announce election season has begun here in Thunder Bay,” said city clerk Krista Power. “Preparation work is well underway at the election office here in city hall, and we are excited to introduce some new options for voters this year.”
That includes drive-through voting, new in 2022. More information about that process and voting locations will be available in September, the city said.
Electors will be able to vote online 24 hours a day starting Oct. 5, until 8 p.m. on election day, which is Oct. 24.
Nearly 58 per cent of voters in Thunder Bay’s 2018 election cast their ballots online, while 37 per cent voted in person, and five per cent voted by phone – an option the city won’t offer in 2022.
To be eligible to vote, you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, a resident of Thunder Bay or the owner or tenant of land in Thunder Bay, or the spouse of such a person, and not be otherwise prohibited from voting .
Canadian students who are from outside Thunder Bay, but living in the city while attending school, are allowed to vote in both their home municipality and Thunder Bay.
Positions elected include mayor, five at-large councillors, seven ward councillors, and school board trustees.
Voters are encouraged to confirm online they are on the municipal voters list, which is separate from that for provincial and federal elections.
A candidate information session will be held virtually and in-person on April 20, and can be viewed on TV and online. More information for candidates is available at the city’s website.
Candidates must file nomination papers with the city clerk between May 2 and Aug. 19. The city noted candidates must book an appointment to do so online or by calling (807) 625-2230.
The next term of council will start on Nov. 15, 2022 and run until Nov. 14, 2026.
The budget for the upcoming election is estimated at $650,000, up from $566,600 in 2018. The city has said increased costs for COVID-19 sanitation, postage, and staff wages help explain the jump.
