In addition to the list of candidates vying for votes, electors will notice a question on the ballot: "Are you in favour of the Council of the Regional Municipality of Durham passing the necessary resolutions and by-laws to change the method of selecting its Chair from appointment by the members of Regional Council to election by general vote of all electors in the Region?"

What does this mean?
The Council of The Regional Municipality of Durham wants to know whether voters think the Chair of Regional Council should be appointed or elected. Currently, the Chair position is appointed by 28 members of Regional Council. The new Regional Council will be responsible for considering the results of this vote and potentially changing the method of selecting the Chair. To change the current method, a majority of the members of Regional Council, as well as a majority of the eight lower-tier Durham municipal councils - which must also represent a majority of the total number of electors in the Region - must support electing the Regional Chair by general vote of all electors in the Region.

Why should Ajax residents care?
With 55% of residential taxes going towards Regional services, and 28% going to local services, it is important that residents are clear and informed on the services provided by the Region. The Region of Durham provides a range of services including waste management, emergency medical, health and child care, long-term care, policing, water and sewer, transit, housing and more. For more information on all services provided by the Region, go to www.durham.ca.

Whether voting for the mayor, regional councillor, local councillor or trustee, electors should be informed about the question being asked and ensure their choice of candidate best represents their views on this question.

Ajax residents may recall seeing a similar question on the 2006 ballot. This question was posed to those living in Ajax, Pickering and Oshawa – this time, all eight municipalities will effectively have a say as a unified Region.