Candidate info night intends to attract the best and brightest

Running for office is a big decision in normal times, let alone the current contentious political climate. That’s why it’s a decision that should not be taken lightly.

It’s with that in mind that the Region of Waterloo and the municipalities are teaming up to host the Lead Local: Municipal Election Candidate Information Night.

The evening will give potential candidates a chance to learn about local elections and how local governments work.

Jeff Smith, Director of Corporate Services & Strategic Initiatives/Clerk, Woolwich Township, told 570 NewsRadio he’s very excited about one aspect.

“We’re going to have a panel of retired Waterloo Region elected officials, that are going to do some questions and answers about running a campaign and the lessons they’ve learned from being on council.”

He said it will give candidates first hand knowledge of the jobs expectations.

But why did the region and the municipalities decide to host this type of event during this election cycle in particular?

Smith mentioned data from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) that shows voter turnout has declined while the number of races that go uncontested is growing.

That creates a situation where voters aren’t really engaged and therefore don’t show up at the polls.

“When candidates are going door-to-door, and they’re convincing people to vote for them, that gets the voter turnout up. And, when people don’t have people going to their doors, candidates arguing for and against positions, we really lose out on that cornerstone of democracy.”

Smith believes what voters really want is competent, well-informed candidates.

“When we look at that broader perspective, the clerks here in the Region of Waterloo are trying to make sure candidates know how to run a campaign. They know what their job is, if they are going to be elected and they put their name forward knowing that. And then also hoping of having that secondary effect on voter turnout.”

Smith said another goal of the information session is to make sure potential candidates have a full understanding of what the job of a councillor entails.

“We want to make sure people are coming in with their eyes wide open. There’s a lot more work than maybe you see just watching council meetings.”

Lead Local: Municipal Election Candidate Information Night takes place Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum in Kitchener. It begins at 5:30 p.m.

Attendance is free but limited. You must register ahead of time.

Smith said the venue will hold 100 participants and over 50 have already registered.