Municipal Election Reform.

Three weeks out from Election Day, 2026.The sign wars are running strong!

WE hope the internet vote will increase participation, only time will tell.

But let’s talk about real Municipal Election Reform.

Oshawa lacks a credible news source. No fully delivered newspaper to the homes. No local television station, limited coverage from Toronto based news.

The City of Oshawa, with Council approval, amended the election sign by-law to limit the sign wars to 26 days prior to the election. It included some much needed amendments regarding placement (i.e., not attached to hydro poles, minimum 1 metre from the curb, sizes, etc.)

But looking around at the sea of signs is distracting.  It’s unsightly.  It’s definitely a war for space and let’s not even discuss the sign vandalism.

One small municipality near Ottawa took their local election sign by-law amendments to court over freedom of speech and won!  Most Ontario municipalities repealed or revamped their election sign by-laws because of that court decision.  But not Oshawa!

Municipalities around us have had election signs up much longer than in Oshawa. Is that good or bad?

Several candidates have initiated their own meet and greet events, primarily for their own campaigns, but also including mayoral candidates.  Some have invited limited ward candidates. Great initiative!

But the City of Oshawa greatly inhibits these types of events by prohibiting the use of City facilities.

There have been a couple of non-partisan events planned as well, and we are grateful for those, too. But the upcoming Chamber of Commerce event is a paid attendance event.  I understand that venue rental isn’t cheap, but does this really serve the public well?

Win or lose, I believe we need a proposal to re-think municipal elections and public debate.

Whitby provides rebates to residents that sponsor municipal candidates. Is that right or wrong to use taxpayer funds to incentivize political donations? I need to wait and see how the Whitby results are affected and how much is rebated.

Other area municipalities allow events in municipal facilities, with limits.

With such a low voter turnout in 2022, there is great hope that internet voting will create an increase in participation.

With so many candidates running for election this cycle, it is hoped that the increased participation and choice will also create an increase in voting.  Again, time will tell.

But is the City doing enough?

For the 2030 Municipal Election, I believe that the City of Oshawa needs to support at least one event in every ward as an All Candidates night at a City facility – recreation facility or other large public space.

I believe that the City should mail out an information flyer shortly after nomination deadlines that lists all candidates, (alphabetically like they are on the City’s website and will be on the ballots, with contact information), includes applicable voter registration and voting information, and encourages greater public participation in the election cycle.

That mail-out should include a pre-arranged Ward Meet and Greet event.  Mayoral candidates should be encouraged to attend this City initiated event in each Ward.

The City could, in conjunction with a group like the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, also organize a mayoral debate and could permit that to be in a City facility.  All Ward candidates should be invited to attend and set up an information booth at the Mayoral Debate.

All attendance and participation should be FREE.

These events would be non-partisan.

Incumbents should not wear City of Oshawa security tags.

No posters or literature should use “re-elect” at these events.

Municipal politics is supposed to be the closest to the residents as it relates to your day to day lives.

As a City, we should be promoting public participation, whether that is to make it easier for candidates to get their word out, gain name recognition, or meet the constituents.

Policies and by-laws should not limit participation.

They should not protect incumbents (intentionally or not).

They should create fair opportunities for everyone to participate.

What’s your opinion?

Jeff Davis

Candidate for Regional and City Councillor, Ward 4

October 5, 2026