Title

Electoral Cycles in Ontario Municipalities: Does Election Proximity Make Local Politicians More Competitive?

Author

Mathew Daley, Western University

Date of Award

7-1-2009

Degree Type

Major Research Paper

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration

Program

Political Science

Supervisor

Young, Robert

Geographical Areas

Ottawa, Hamilton, Brampton, London, Markham, Vaughan, Windsor, Kitchener

Abstract

This paper examines whether an electoral cycle is present in Ontario municipal governments and whether the proximity of an election causes municipal councillors to become more competitive. An analysis of 18,675 municipal council votes between 2003 and 2006 was conducted for the following municipalities: Ottawa, Hamilton, Brampton, London, Markham, Vaughan, Windsor, and Kitchener. The findings reveal a positive correlation between time and competition in three-quarters of the observed municipal councils, indicating the presence of an electoral cycle in Ontario.

Recommended Citation

Daley, Mathew, "Electoral Cycles in Ontario Municipalities: Does Election Proximity Make Local Politicians More Competitive?" (2009). MPA Major Research Papers. 75.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/lgp-mrps/75