Editorial: Be an Informed Voter

This issue features a piece about the upcoming municipal election and the importance of ensuring you are on the voter's list. As mentioned, it is also essential that people get out and vote as well. Sadly, in some parts of the world, citizens have to risk their lives going to vote and even die doing so. Over 20 countries worldwide have compulsory voting, with differing levels of enforcement and punishment for not casting a vote!

Over the next eight months, candidates in Pointe-Claire will be vying for your vote for mayor of the city and councillor in your district. They will be meeting with residents and providing information on their platforms and will make themselves accessible to you in a number of ways. Please take the time to hear them out and gather information so that you can make an informed decision.

Putting yourself out there as a candidate isn’t easy. It takes a lot of time and effort to campaign, but good candidates make sacrifices not only during their campaigns but also in the years they serve as your representatives on council.

Think about what you want for yourself and your city. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't be afraid to speak up and say what you want. Choosing the candidate who represents your interests is dependent on making your interests known!

So, whether you like a candidate or not, try to be respectful. These people are giving up their free time, sacrificing their family time, and opening themselves up to some harsh words from their critics all because they want to make a difference. We also hope we can say the same of the candidates, who should prepare to show each other respect and a willingness to listen since they may be colleagues in the future.

Our elected officials represent all their constituents, not just those who voted for them. Teamwork, communication, and compromise will always be necessary to keep our city thriving. Staying informed, asking questions, and participating in the democratic process are the best ways for residents to make their desires heard. Follow the candidates on their social media sites and talk to your neighbours; you can also attend council meetings in person or watch them from the comfort of your own home. There are plenty of ways to learn about how your city is run, and it's never been easier than it is in 2025.

We at the Pointe-Claire Record hope to help with this election by providing important election information and by providing all candidates with the opportunity to submit a piece about themselves and what they stand for and against. In a future issue, we will be writing about the roles and duties of both a mayor and councillor as laid out by the Quebec government so that our readers can learn what falls under their purview and what their responsibilities and limitations are.

There are so many issues of concern for Pointe-Claire citizens, any of which should encourage them to vote. Issues such as the perpetual debate on housing and large-scale developments, improvements to the Valois and Pointe-Claire villages, windmill preservation, environmental causes and protection of greenspaces, and resources for our children and seniors — there are a multitude of reasons to make the time and effort to find out how your elected officials have served you in the past and to learn about your options for the future.

That's the beauty of municipal politics. It's close to home. It's about community. It's about getting along and working together. The next election is our opportunity to help Pointe-Claire continue to thrive while ensuring families can stay together while getting to enjoy all the benefits our unique city has to offer.