In 2022, just 37.63 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot.
Tillsonburg is now just one week away from Election Day, with hopes the 2026 municipal election can reverse a recent decline in voter participation.
In 2022, just 37.63 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot, down from 39.3 per cent in 2018.
That continued a downward trend after turnout reached 38.5 per cent in 2014 and 39.7 per cent in 2010.
The three-election average between 2010 and 2018 was about 39.2 per cent, meaning the 2022 turnout fell below each of the previous three municipal elections.
Participation was particularly low among younger voters. Town election data shows only 19.23 per cent of eligible voters between 18 and 24 cast a ballot in 2022.
The decline came despite Tillsonburg offering internet and telephone voting, methods also used during the 2018 election.
The numbers don't explain why some residents stayed home. Interest in local issues, awareness of candidates and competing commitments can all play a role.
What they do show is Tillsonburg hasn't reached 40 per cent turnout in any of the past four municipal elections.
With Election Day coming up October 26, the question now is whether 2026 can buck that trend.
