Municipal government is the level of government that makes decisions about your local community, such as the roads your drive on, parks you play in, water you drink, and recreation areas you attend weeknights and weekends!
Youth Municipal Election Engagement
Provide Feedback on Your Ideal Town!
The Town is inviting students (17 years old and younger) to submit a 350-word creative essay describing their vision for an 'Ideal Town' The purpose is for youth to tell a future Council what their ideal Town looks like! Youth are asked to think about programs and services that they would like to see from the Town.
Enter the Contest:
If you live in the Town of Cobourg, write a 350 word creative essay about what you would like to see in your ideal Town.
Submissions are due by October 26, 2026 - Election Day by 8:00 p.m.
Your submission must include:
- Full name of Youth submitting what their Ideal Town would be.
- age/grade
- a parent or guardian's name
- a parent or guardian's email or phone number
Please submit your essay either:
- By email - cobourgvotes@cobourg.ca
- By mail at: Office of the Municipal Clerk - 55 King Street West, Cobourg ON, K9A 2M2.
After Submission Deadline
Following the end of the submission deadline, staff will gather all submissions and submit to the newly formed Council for the 2026-2030 Term on what an 'Ideal Town' would look like for the youth. One youth will be chosen and invited to the inaugural meeting of Council to read their submission to the new Council and community! All youth who submitted an essay will be invited to the inaugural meeting of Council to meet Council and stay for the newly elected Council reception.
I Voted' Sticker Contest Winners Announced!
The Town of Cobourg is pleased to announce the winners of Cobourg’s youth “I Voted” Sticker Contest for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election!
Congratulations to Sticker Contest winners Walter and Caris, who came out on top in their respective age categories.
Printed stickers will be available at the Town’s Voter Help Centres, or residents may pick one up from the Clerk’s Office at Victoria Hall (55 King Street West) after casting their internet ballot.
View Sticker Contest Showcase
The Town of Cobourg would like to thank all youth who entered the contest. Community members are invited to view all the submitted artwork in an exhibition in the Art Gallery of Northumberland located at Victoria Hall, West Wing, Third Floor, from now until Voting Day – Monday, October 26.
Municipal 'Local' Government: Questions & Answers
Municipal government is local, powerful, and connected to everyday life. Knowing how it works is the first step to civic participation!
Q: What is municipal government?
Q: Why should young people care about municipal government?
Because municipal decisions affect your daily life, from bus routes to skate parks, to beaches to streetlights and to housing and climate action.
An elected municipal council, elected every four (4) years made up of a mayor, deputy mayor and councillors chosen by voters in the community. This elected council works with staff to make decisions that are the best for the community as a whole.
Q: What does a municipal council do?
Council passes by‑laws (local level rule and regulations), approves budgets, sets priorities, and decides how services are delivered.
Q: Does the mayor make all the decisions?
No, the mayor doesn't make all the decisions. Most decisions are made by a majority vote of council. The mayor has just one vote during council meetings, like everyone else.
Q: How does the decision making work?
Members of Council debate issues at meetings that are open to the public and then they vote on those issues. If most the members of Council vote yes, the decision passes.
Q: Do members of Council manage the Town staff?
A: No. Council sets direction and policy, but professional municipal staff handle day‑to‑day operations.
Q: Where does municipal money come from?
Mostly from property taxes and user fees, like recreation programs or stormwater fees.
Q: Can municipalities run deficits?
No. Municipal budgets must be balanced every year, which means councils must make careful choices.
Q: What kinds of services does municipal government provide?
Roads, snow clearing, water, parks, fire services, police, land‑use planning, recreation programs, and more.
Q: Are municipal elections political?
In Ontario municipal elections are non‑partisan. Candidates do not run under political party names.
Q: Who do members of Council represent?
The entire community, not just the people who voted for them.
Q: Is serving on council a full‑time job?
It depends on the municipality, but it often involves meetings, reading reports, committees, and community events. Currently, the Town of Cobourg Council is considered part-time.
Q: Are council meetings open to the public?
Yes. Most council meetings are public so residents can watch how decisions are made. On occasion, part of a meeting may be closed to the public. Those closed meeting times are reserved for confidential negotiations or speaking about specific persons whose privacy should be protected.
Q: What rules do council members have to follow?
Councillors must follow conflict‑of‑interest legislation, codes of conduct, and transparency rules and protocols. There are lots of other documents and legislation that must be followed, such as the Council meeting procedures, which is guided by the Chair of each meeting, and with the support of the Towns Municipal Clerk.
Q: How long do municipal decisions last?
Some decisions affect a community for decades, especially those about infrastructure, housing, and growth.
Q: Can young people be involved if they can’t vote yet?
Yes! Young people can attend meetings, join youth councils when avilable, volunteer, and learn how local government works.
Q: Why is learning about municipal government important?
Understanding local government helps you become an informed present and future voter, advocate for what you would like to see shape the community you live in, and how to become a future leader.
How to Get Involved As A Youth in Cobourg - Prepare to be a Future Voter or Candidate
You don’t have to be old enough to vote to be involved in Cobourg’s local government. Here are real ways young people can participate, learn, and make an impact in their community!
“Local Government in Our Community” A colouring activity for Younger Future Voters!