A mayoral race, several contested council seats and a chance to improve voter turnout are on the ballot as Brandon heads to the polls Wednesday.
Brandon residents will head to the polls tomorrow to elect their next mayor and city council, and many are hoping the city can significantly improve on the disappointing voter turnout seen in the last municipal election.
In 2022, just 17.9 per cent of Brandon’s 36,528 eligible voters cast a ballot, meaning fewer than one in five residents took part in choosing the city’s leadership. Despite a contested mayoral race that year, turnout remained below 20 per cent, continuing a trend that has concerned political observers and civic leaders alike.
This year, voters once again have a mayoral race to decide, along with several contested council races across the city. Unlike many surrounding rural municipalities, where councils have been elected by acclamation, Brandon voters will have multiple opportunities to shape the future direction of City Hall.
In fact, only Ward 10 has already been decided, with Bruce Luebke elected by acclamation. Every other ward on the ballot features a contested race, giving voters a direct say in who will represent their neighbourhoods over the next four years.
Municipal governments make decisions that directly affect daily life, including road repairs, recreation facilities, public safety, community development, taxation and future growth planning. With Brandon continuing to add new residents and expand its economy, tomorrow’s vote will help determine how the city responds to those opportunities and challenges.
Polls Open From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voters can cast ballots at their designated ward polling stations or at one of four convenient all-ward voting locations.
All-Ward Voting Locations
📍 Brandon Community Sportsplex
30 Knowlton Drive
📍 East End Community Centre
405 Park Street
📍 Victoria Inn – Salons 2 and 3
3550 Victoria Avenue
📍 Display Building II (Dome Building)
1200 13th Street
Every Vote Counts
Four years ago, fewer than one in five eligible Brandon voters participated in the municipal election. With a mayoral contest and numerous competitive ward races on the ballot, election officials and candidates alike will be hoping residents turn out in greater numbers this time around.
Whether you’re voting for mayor, councillor, or both, tomorrow is your opportunity to help shape Brandon’s future and, hopefully, improve on the 17.9 per cent voter turnout recorded in 2022. Polls are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m..
✅ Don’t Forget Your Identification
Voters are required to bring identification when casting a ballot on Election Day. You can vote if you present one piece of government-issued photo identification that shows your name and current address, such as a Manitoba driver’s licence. If your photo ID does not include your current address, you may be asked to provide additional documentation showing where you live. Election officials recommend checking your identification before heading to the polls to help ensure a quick and smooth voting process.
