- by Anne Finlay-Stewart, Editor

Premier Doug Ford released the following announcement this morning, with no acknowledgement that dozens of Ontario municipalities who have contracted with Dominion Voting Systems will not know who their elected representatives are until some time tonight. 

A 1 1/2 hour delay in the system early last evening caused many municipalities, including Owen Sound, Meaford and Georgian Bluffs, to exercise an emergency clause in the Municipal Elections Act and extend on-line and telephone voting to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 23. 

Those candidates and residents affected can bookmark Premier Ford's comments to read Wednesday morning.

"Yesterday, people across Ontario exercised one of our fundamental and important rights by voting in their local municipal elections.

"Campaigns connect us to our neighbourhoods and communities, and deepen our understanding of the people we share them with. I commend everyone who put themselves forward as a candidate in these elections. I also congratulate all those successful candidates who now have the great responsibility of representing their constituents and working to improve their local communities.

"Win or lose, I hope that every candidate has come away from their campaign with a sense of fulfilment, a better understanding of the issues that matter, and a clearer vision of how to make government work in the best interest of the people.

"I would also like to thank everyone who cast a vote in their local election. All Ontarians deserve accountability and trust in their government, and efficiency in how government business is conducted. Casting a ballot is an important democratic step to ensure governments work harder and smarter to make life better for everyone. No matter who you are or what you believe, you deserve a say in how your community or city is run."