Opinion – Another Reason to “Get Out and Vote 2026”

A few weeks back, the Property Taxpayers Alliance asked you if a “Get Out and Vote 2026” campaign would be a good idea for the upcoming October 2026 Ontario municipal elections.

The response was a resounding yes! Thank you for your feedback.

We reported in a prior communication that in municipal elections, only about 29% of all those eligible to vote actually do. The silent majority, the remaining 71%, essentially allow the 29% to determine who the city’s councillors and mayors will be, including their spending priorities.

The voting 29% is comprised of a disproportionately high number of special interest group participants. They rally their members to get out and vote for councillors and mayors who will spend your hard-earned property tax dollars on their agendas and demands. This drives property taxes up. Isn’t this the tail wagging the dog, the 29% determining where the hard-earned property tax dollars of the 71% will go! Seasoned mayors and councillors know this and, believing the 71% silent majority won’t show up at the polls, pander to the special interest groups for their votes.

It’s time the 71% silent majority showed up. Put a stop to the squeaky wheel special interest groups determining city election outcomes and spending decisions.

Please get out and vote in this municipal election. Share this broadly with all your friends and neighbours. Ask them to join the PTA “Get Out and Vote 2026” campaign. Let’s push for a 40% municipal voter turnout this year! Help us send a clear message: Enough is Enough!

Let’s elect municipal mayors and councillors who are committed to:

1. Significant and measurable improvement in the operating efficiency and effectiveness of municipal government.

2. Annual cost increases (property taxes, surcharges, service fees) that are sustainable/affordable, growing no more than the rate of inflation on average (used as a proxy for your personal income growth).

3. The timely and easily accessed disclosure of information (such as voting records) needed to assess performance and hold mayors and councillors accountable.

A word of caution. Beware smiley-faced candidates, mayoral in particular, who tell you they are running on a platform of fiscal responsibility and property tax affordability, when over the past 4 years they’ve voted “YES” on almost every spending motion brought before chambers.

Don’t be fooled!

DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

Let’s vote based on results, not based on name recognition or false claims.

Subscribe to the Property Taxpayers Alliance Newsletter here:

https://propertytaxpayer.ca/newsletter/

In Burlington, during the 2022 election, of the 142,218 eligible voters in Burlington, 39,217, or 27.6 percent, voted.

Between full-time and part-time employees, over 1,400 people work for the city; many of them will live and vote in Burlington, and many will have partners, adult children, or parents who do as well. Special interest groups like Burlington Green, partially funded by the city, may encourage their members to vote.

The bottom line is:

If we really want a council that represents us, we all need to vote!

Learn more about who’s running here: Burlington Votes!

The coming weeks will be critical in shaping the conversation about Burlington’s future. Focus Burlington is proud to play a role in fostering informed dialogue, encouraging participation, and helping residents connect with the individuals who are stepping forward to serve.

Details for the Focus Burlington Debate

Thursday October 1st, 2026
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
East Plains United Church

Please RSVP here – the event is free https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/burlington-mayoral-candidates-debate-tickets-1998110191370