Election Results Now Official, Recount to Come in Ward 3

The election results are now official. The tabulations have been checked, the numbers are confirmed and indeed, everyone that was elected Monday night has actually been elected. One sticking point remains in Ward 3 though because of the photo finish between second place June Hofland and third place Craig Chamberlain. Although Hofland has opened up her lead to five votes over Chamberlain, 2,050 to 2,045, the City Clerk is still recommending that a recount process begin when council next meets later this month. Full details on that, the the rest of the official results below.

Here's the press release from the City of Guelph

Guelph, ON, October 28, 2014 – It’s official. After 19 days, 442 hours of voting, and 38,933 ballots cast, Guelph has elected its next City Council.
2014-2018 Guelph City Council

• Mayor – Cam Guthrie
• Ward 1 – Dan Gibson and Bob Bell
• Ward 2 – Andy Van Hellemond and James Gordon
• Ward 3 – Phil Allt and June Hofland
• Ward 4 – Christine Billings and Mike Salisbury
• Ward 5 – Leanne Piper and Cathy Downer
• Ward 6 – Mark MacKinnon and Karl Wettstein

Election of the 2014-2018 City Council is only one part of Guelph’s election story. This year, the City of Guelph introduced a number of changes to make voting more accessible and convenient for everyone. The City’s hope was that these changes would lead to an increase in voter turnout.

Of the 86,574 of eligible voters, 45 per cent participated in the election. This marks an 11 per cent increase over 2010.

“We are pleased to see the increase in voter turnout this year,” says Stephen O’Brien, City Clerk. “We are also happy to see that the community embraced internet voting.”

Internet voting was offered during the advanced voting period from October 7 to 24, during which time 12,768 voters voted online. The City also introduced a “vote anywhere” option on advanced in-person voting days, October 15-19, which drew 3,036 voters. In total, Guelph cast 15,804 ballots (41% of total ballots cast) during the 18 day advanced voting period.

Casting a ballot on election day remained a popular choice, with 23,129 ballots (59% of total ballots cast) being cast from any location within their ward.

Overall, the 2014 election drew 38,933 ballots or 45 per cent of eligible electors compared to 28,072 or 34 per cent in 2010.

In response to questions regarding a recount in Ward 3, O’Brien will be recommending to Council on November 17 that a recount be endorsed in accordance with the Municipal Act’s Election legislation.

“Had there been a tie, we would have recount today; however the legislation is clear about when and how recounts can be requested,” says O’Brien. “Given the very close outcome of the Ward 3, a recount is prudent.”

The City also noted that there was a change in the recorded number of ballots today compared to the unofficial results posted last night. Upon reviewing and certifying the results today, as required by the Election legislation, it was discovered that seven ballots had not been processed. The ballots have since been processed and the results have been updated accordingly. The ballots, while changed the total number of ballots cast, did not change the position outcome for any race.

“Elections do not just happen overnight. They are the results of countless hours of work from staff and community members,” says O’Brien. “Thank you to everyone who assisted with this election and worked at a voting location either throughout the advanced voting period or on Election Day. We appreciate your time, enthusiasm and support.”

“On behalf of the Corporation of The City of Guelph, I extend my thanks to Mayor Karen Farbridge and our outgoing Council for their commitment and service to Guelph over the past four years. City staff is looking forward to working with Mayor-elect Cam Guthrie as well as new and returning Councillors over the course of the coming term,” says Ann Pappert, Chief Administration Officer.

The City of Guelph will hold the inaugural Council meeting on December 1