Ward 5 By-Election set to begin in Kawartha Lakes on April 1st

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The City is gearing up for the much-anticipated by-election in Ward 5, following the vacancy left on the city council. The voting period, for this by-election, will begin on April 1st, 2025, and run until April 10th, 2025.

Six candidates have been officially certified to run for the position: Mark Doble, Pat Dunn, Duncan Gallacher, Aananth Paraparan, Malcolm Quigley, and Alex Steven.

Ward 5 encompasses portions of Lindsay, including: areas north of Kent Street, Riverview Road, Weldon Road, and Dew Drop Inn Road. City residents, unsure of whether they reside in Ward 5, can confirm their ward boundaries by visiting the City of Kawartha Lakes website or by checking their property tax bill for ward identification.

Cathie Ritchie, City Clerk and Returning Officer for the election, spoke to the process: "We are excited to offer a modern and convenient way for residents to vote, in this by-election. The online voting system will ensure people can easily cast their ballots from home or anywhere with internet access. This is a crucial opportunity for Ward 5 to elect someone who will best represent their interests."

Eligible voters are encouraged to verify their registration, by visiting the City of Kawartha Lakes’ voter registration portal, or by checking the voter lists available, at City Hall or the Lindsay Library. Voters, who had registered for the February 2025 provincial election, will need to re-register for the by-election.

This by-election will be entirely online, marking a shift from traditional paper ballots and polling stations. Voters will receive a Voting PIN Letter in the mail, containing instructions and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) which will allow them to vote using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

"We want to make this election as accessible as possible," Ms. Ritchie said. "We are providing support, at multiple municipal locations, for anyone who needs help with electronic voting. Our goal is to ensure every eligible voter can easily cast their ballot."

The City has designated City Hall and the Lindsay Library as locations for voter assistance. City Hall will have extended hours, on Saturday, April 5th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Election Day, April 10th, it will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Lindsay Library will offer extended evening hours, for voter assistance, during the by-election.

Candidates and local officials are expecting a high turnout, given the innovative online voting method. However, residents have been advised to check their mailboxes for the PIN letter, as some may not arrive by April 1st. In the event of an undelivered letter, voters are urged to visit City Hall to receive a replacement.

Ms. Ritchie, City Clerk, also reminded voters to return any misdirected Voting PIN Letters to Canada Post, marked "Return to Sender – Moved" or "Return to Sender – Deceased." Any discrepancies, such as receiving more than one PIN, should be reported to the Voter Help Desk for clarification.

As the by-election approaches, residents of Ward 5 are encouraged to get informed, participate in the online voting process, and make their voices heard in this important decision for their community’s future.