Across Ontario, voter turnout in the last municipal election was at its lowest since 1982, at 38.3 percent. Yet residents often care most deeply about local issues in their communities - from how fast snow is cleared from sidewalks to the housing choices made and child care services available. That means when compared with provincial and federal elections, every vote for city council or a school board can have the most impact on our daily lives.

With just one week to go until residents head to the polls on Monday, October 24, this panel will look at what causes voters to sit out of municipal elections, whose voices are missing, the corrosive forces that work against democracy, and the opportunity this next election presents for people who want to make a change in their communities, and the city. Join us in conversation as we explore where the impact of voting can be most effective.

Bailey Greenspon, Lead Trainer for the 2022 Municipal Elections, Democratic Engagement Exchange and founding advisor, Progress Toronto

Justin Ling, freelance investigative journalist.

Tai Huynh, editor-in-chief The Local Magazine and creative director at UHN OpenLab.

Victoria Kuketz - host of the Democracy Dialogues at the Democratic Engagement Exchange and a Research Fellow in Democracy and a Disability Inclusion Advisor at the Public Policy Forum.

Presented by DemocracyXChange as part of Celebrate Democracy at TPL.

This 1-hour Live & Online program will be recorded and available for replay through Crowdcast at this same link.

Questions about online programs? Please email us at programproposals@tpl.ca

If you identify as a person with a disability or as a person who is Deaf, and require an accessibility accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Accessibility Services by email, accessibleservices@tpl.ca, or voicemail, 416-393-7099, to make a request. Please contact us at least three weeks in advance.

Your Voice. Your Vote. Why Local Elections Matter.