Candidates giving voters good reason to turn out

Democracy works best when voters have real choices, and this year, Brandonites have been given exactly that.

As early voting figures smash previous records — with 2,386 ballots cast in just three days of advance polling compared to a mere 376 four years ago — it’s rather clear that our community is more deeply engaged.

While political analysts debate whether this historic turnout is driven by shifting voter habits, a competitive mayoral race or the fact that nine out of 10 city wards are actively contested, the reality is this: none of it would be possible without the individuals who stepped forward to run.

Stepping into the political arena is no small task. It requires an immense sacrifice of personal time, energy and privacy. For the past several weeks, more than two dozen council candidates and our two mayoral hopefuls have spent their evenings and weekends pounding the pavement, knocking on doors and listening to the concerns of Brandonites in every corner of the city.

They have put their normal routines on hold, balanced demanding campaign schedules with family obligations and subjected themselves to the intense public scrutiny that comes with seeking public office.

To anyone who has taken the time to register as a candidate — either now or in the past — you know exactly what we’re talking about.

The many sacrifices of time with friends and family, and the stress of public exposure in innumerable ways while out on the campaign trail is a big deal — particularly for those who have never run a campaign before.

There are so many things to learn, decisions to make, platforms and positions to both craft, explain — and of course, defend — that it can be a daunting task for anyone who isn’t fully prepared for the pressure.

Thankfully, many good candidates have thrown their hat into the ring this year. We have been pleasantly surprised to see not only the number of candidates increase across the board here in Brandon from previous years, but so many new faces from very diverse backgrounds.

This city’s newcomer population is finding its voice in our community, and we are all the better for it.

And it’s not just here in Brandon either. Across the province, more Manitobans have a choice in who will lead their communities into the next four years than in the past. The Association of Manitoba Municipalities recently told the CBC that this year there are fewer overall acclamations than in previous years.

The percentage of uncontested races has fallen from 37 per cent to 30 per cent, and the number of women candidates has increased from 289 in 2022 to 340 this year. While this is hardly evidence of a trend against voter apathy, these are still hopeful numbers.

On a personal note, we also want to thank all candidates for taking the time to join the Brandon Sun, Brandon University and WCGtv debates this month. It’s worth noting that every single registered candidate in every ward — including acclaimed Ward 6 Coun. Bruce Leubke, who specifically asked to be included in the debate — made time to sit on stage and take questions from our panelists.

Win or lose on election night, everyone who put their name on the ballot deserves our collective gratitude. Putting yourself out there to run for local government is an act of profound civic duty.

By offering distinct choices for Brandon’s future, these candidates have sparked necessary community conversations about our infrastructure, our economy, our taxation and our quality of life. They have given residents a reason to show up to the polls tomorrow — let’s hope in equally record numbers to those of the advance poll.

To those of us who are of voting age and who have not yet taken the time to exercise that right, we urge you to find your polling station and make your choices today.

And to everyone who put their time, effort and heart into a campaign this season: thank you. Your dedication strengthens our community and ensures that local democracy remains vibrant and strong.