Press release.
t’s official. After 19 days, 442 hours of voting, and 38,933 ballots cast, Guelph has elected its next City Council.
2014-2018 Guelph City Council
Mayor – Cam Guthrie
Ward 1 – Dan Gibson and Bob Bell
Ward 2 – Andy Van Hellemond and James Gordon
Ward 3 – Phil Allt and June Hofland
Ward 4 – Christine Billings and Mike Salisbury
Ward 5 – Leanne Piper and Cathy Downer
Ward 6 – Mark MacKinnon and Karl Wettstein
Election of the 2014-2018 City Council is only one part of Guelph’s election story. This year, the City of Guelph introduced a number of changes to make voting more accessible and convenient for everyone. The City’s hope was that these changes would lead to an increase in voter turnout.
Of the 86,574 of eligible voters, 45 per cent participated in the election. This marks an 11 per cent increase over 2010.
“We are pleased to see the increase in voter turnout this year,” says Stephen O’Brien, City Clerk. “We are also happy to see that the community embraced internet voting.”
Internet voting was offered during the advanced voting period from October 7 to 24, during which time 12,768 voters voted online. The City also introduced a “vote anywhere” option on advanced in-person voting days, October 15-19, which drew 3,036 voters. In total, Guelph cast 15,804 ballots (41% of total ballots cast) during the 18 day advanced voting period.
Casting a ballot on election day remained a popular choice, with 23,129 ballots (59% of total ballots cast) being cast from any location within their ward.
Overall, the 2014 election drew 38,933 ballots or 45 per cent of eligible electors compared to 28,072 or 34 per cent in 2010.
In response to questions regarding a recount in Ward 3, O’Brien will be recommending to Council on November 17 that a recount be endorsed in accordance with the Municipal Act’s Election legislation.
“Had there been a tie, we would have recount today; however the legislation is clear about when and how recounts can be requested,” says O’Brien. “Given the very close outcome of the Ward 3, a recount is prudent.”
The City also noted that there was a change in the recorded number of ballots today compared to the unofficial results posted last night. Upon reviewing and certifying the results today, as required by the Election legislation, it was discovered that seven ballots had not been processed. The ballots have since been processed and the results have been updated accordingly. The ballots, while changed the total number of ballots cast, did not change the position outcome for any race.
“Elections do not just happen overnight. They are the results of countless hours of work from staff and community members,” says O’Brien. “Thank you to everyone who assisted with this election and worked at a voting location either throughout the advanced voting period or on Election Day. We appreciate your time, enthusiasm and support.”
“On behalf of the Corporation of The City of Guelph, I would like to thank our outgoing Council for its commitment and service to Guelph over the past four years. City staff is looking forward to working with new and returning Councillors over the course of the coming term,” says Ann Pappert, Chief Administration Officer.
The City of Guelph will hold the inaugural Council meeting on December 1.
For the complete list of the City of Guelph’s 2014 election results, visit guelph.ca/vote.