Ontario considering ranked ballots

Ontario is taking steps towards giving municipalities the option of using ranked ballots in future municipal elections.

The province is reviewing the Municipal Elections Act to explore how municipalities could implement ranked ballots across the province.

Ranked ballots allow a voter to rank candidates in order of preference instead of voting for a single candidate. The option to use ranked ballots would give municipalities an alternative to the current municipal voting system.

The review will also assess whether the rules about electing municipal leaders are clear and simple and whether the Act reflects how modern campaigns and elections should be run.

There are a number of ways that Ontarians can provide their input, including online and by mail. At the same time, a working group made up of municipal clerks, municipal representatives and ranked ballot advocates will provide the government with advice on how to make ranked ballots work best in Ontario.