A question on the ballot is a formal question approved by municipal council and included on the election ballot to gather feedback from residents on a specific topic or policy.
It is separate from voting for candidates. Residents can choose to answer it or leave it blank.
The results are reported to council, but are not legally binding - they are used to guide future decisions.
2026 Question on the Ballot
On the 2026 Municipal Election ballot, residents will be asked: Do you support changing the Ward System for electing members of Council? Yes or No.
This decision stems from Council Resolution #25-114, passed on April 8, 2025, which directed the City Clerk to initiate the process required to bring this question before local voters. The question is being added in accordance with Section 8.1(3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, which mandates public notice and consultation prior to passing a by-law to place a referendum question on the ballot.
If the referendum is approved by a majority of voters, options for changing the electoral system will then brought forward ahead of the 2030 Municipal Election.
See also: By-law 2025-9168
Third-Party Advertising
Individuals using paid advertising to publicly promote or oppose the question on the ballot are considered a Third-Party Advertiser and need to register and up pick up the related package at Service Timmins.
Who needs to register as a Third-Party Advertiser:
- Anyone who spends money to promote or oppose a question on the ballot;
- This includes individuals, groups, or organizations that publicly encourage residents to vote "Yes" or "No" on the question.