Ontario Municipal Elections Bring New Mayors to Three Regions
Voters in Quinte West, Belleville, and Prince Edward County elected new mayors amid reports of technical voting glitches and low turnout in Belleville.
Municipal elections across three Ontario regions resulted in leadership changes for Quinte West, Belleville, and Prince Edward County. In Quinte West, Zack Card won the mayoral race at age 39, marking a generational shift in the city's leadership. Ernie Margetson was elected mayor of Prince Edward County.
In Belleville, Paul Fleming was elected mayor, replacing the long-serving Neil Ellis. The transition was considered surprising due to the perceived cohesion of the previous council. Outgoing Mayor Ellis expressed hope for the success of his successor's term.
The Belleville election was marred by technical failures and low civic engagement. Reports indicated audio failures during telephone voting and glitches with online voting at the Voter Assistance Centre. Approximately two-thirds of registered voters in Belleville did not participate in the election.
