Chatsworth will have a new mayor: your guide to the Oct. 26 vote
Two sitting council members are running for mayor, and five newcomers are competing for three councillor seats. Voting is by mail.
By David Ellis · · 2 min read
Chatsworth voters will choose a new council on Monday, Oct. 26, and whoever wins, the township will have a new mayor.
Mayor Scott Mackey's name is not on the township's certified list of candidates. Two members of the current council are running to replace him: Deputy Mayor Terry McKay and Coun. Shawn Greig.
The race for deputy mayor is also a two-way contest, between Coun. Peter James Whitten and Diana Rae.
Five candidates are running for the three councillor seats: J.D. Ceaser, Chris Evans, Barry Leonard Jackson, Brenda Joan Robertson and Margie Stafford. The Owen Sound Current, which reported on the field after nominations closed, notes that none of the five sits on council now and that Coun. Elizabeth Thompson did not file.
The township's election page says Chatsworth council has one mayor, one deputy mayor and three councillors. Because McKay and Greig are running against each other, at most three current members can return to the council table.
How to vote
Chatsworth is voting by mail. According to the township, every eligible voter was to receive a voting kit by mail around the last week of September. It contains instructions, a voter declaration form, a ballot, a secrecy envelope and a prepaid return envelope.
Completed ballots can be mailed back or dropped off at the Municipal Office, 316837 Highway 6. Voting ends at 8 p.m. on Oct. 26. Voters who mail their ballots should allow time for Canada Post to deliver them before then.
Anyone who didn't receive a kit, or got one with incorrect information, needs to update their details on the voters' list to get a replacement, the township says. People revising their information after Sept. 10 receive a replacement kit right away. The township also warns that using someone else's kit to vote is illegal. Anyone who receives a kit addressed to another person should contact the Municipal Office.
Who can vote
To vote, you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18, and qualified to vote in the township. You qualify if you live in Chatsworth, own or rent property here, or are the spouse of someone who does. The township notes that property owned by a business or trust doesn't qualify.
School boards
Several trustee positions have already been decided. The township's certified list shows Leslie Patrick Medve acclaimed for the Bluewater District School Board (English public), Lucie Desbiens for the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board (English separate) and Michael Salvatore for the French Catholic board. For the French public board, Conseil scolaire Viamonde, Rachael Golem and Eric Lapointe are on the ballot.
What's next
The new council's term begins at its inaugural meeting on Monday, Nov. 16, according to the township's election calendar. The mayor and deputy mayor also sit on Grey County council, the Owen Sound Current notes.
Questions about the voters' list can go to the Municipal Office, 519-794-3232, according to the township's contact page. The Banner will report the results on election night.
Your turn: What issue matters most to you in this election? Email news@chatsworthbanner.ca or use the tip form on our site.
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