It’s no secret that there is a definite tinge of animosity in the air between incumbent Lucas Cleveland and Deputy Mayor and mayoral hopeful Nicole Beatty, with newcomer Max LeMarchant seemingly stuck somewhere in the middle of the fray. Recent allegations from Mayor Cleveland regarding alleged wrongdoing by certain members of council, along with talk of financial impropriety involving the Cobourg Police Board, have fanned the flames during this campaign. But will it be enough to get voters out in numbers higher than in previous elections?
Voter participation in Cobourg has dropped steadily over the past three municipal elections, raising questions about whether the 2026 campaign will encourage more residents to cast a ballot.
Turnout peaked at just over 52 per cent in 2014 before falling to 43.06 per cent in 2018 and 40.9 per cent in 2022. Official results show 6,757 ballots were cast four years ago, leaving most eligible voters on the sidelines.
All three candidates have addressed issues including homelessness, drug use, public safety and the future of 310 Division Street, all of which are hot-button topics. But have their messages been drowned out by recent news releases and social media posts that have much of the town talking?
The previous election was decided by a narrow margin, with Cleveland defeating then-mayor John Henderson by 105 votes.
The final turnout figures will show whether this year’s campaign has motivated more residents to take part in choosing Cobourg’s next council or whether it’s just another election that a good portion of the electorate chooses to sit out.
More information is available at CobourgVotes.ca.
(Written By: Richard Evans)
