2020 Halifax municipal election explained

Election Name:2020 Halifax mayoral election
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:2016 Halifax municipal election
Previous Year:2016
Next Election:2024 Halifax municipal election
Next Year:2024
Election Date:October 17, 2020
Image1:File:Michael_Savage_at_2016_Halifax_International_Security_Forum_(cropped).jpg
Image1 Size:100
Nominee1:Mike Savage
Popular Vote1:102,735
Percentage1:80.16%
Color1:7CAC3C
Color2:CBA135
Nominee2:Matt Whitman
Popular Vote2:13,497
Percentage2:10.53%
Color3:C12F3A
Nominee3:Max Taylor
Popular Vote3:11,928
Percentage3:9.31%
Mayor
Before Election:Mike Savage
After Election:Mike Savage
Turnout:39.83%

The 2020 Halifax municipal election was held on 17 October 2020 to elect councillors and a mayor to a four-year term on the Halifax Regional Council, the governing body of the Halifax Regional Municipality. Members of the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial were also elected.[1] The election was held in conjunction with municipal elections across the province.

Of the 16 incumbent councillors, 11 ran for re-election. Of those, nine retained their seats. Mike Savage sought another term as mayor, competing for the position against incumbent councillor Matt Whitman and social media personality and copywriter Max Taylor. Savage was handily re-elected, capturing over 80 per cent of votes cast for the position.

A record number of women were elected, achieving gender parity on Halifax council for the first time.

Electoral system

Councillors (elected by residents of each of the 16 electoral districts) and the mayor (elected at-large by all voters) are chosen using the first-past-the-post voting system. Each district elects one councillor; the candidate with the most votes wins. There are no political parties at the municipal level in Nova Scotia.

The boundaries of the 16 districts, updated in 2015, were the same as those used in the 2016 election.[2]

Synopsis

In the run-up to the election, four incumbent councillors declared their intentions to retire from municipal politics. In October 2019, longtime Spryfield councillor Steve Adams (District 11) announced that he would not re-offer in the following year's election. Adams was first elected in 1991.[3] Veteran Dartmouth councillor Bill Karsten (District 3) announced in May 2020 that he would not run again.[4] Lorelei Nicoll (District 4) and Russell Walker (District 10) followed suit in July 2020.[5]

The first confirmed mayoral candidate was Matt Whitman, the incumbent councillor in District 13. Whitman announced his campaign at the Grand Parade in October 2019.[6] Incumbent mayor Mike Savage announced his candidacy for re-election in March 2020.[7] A third candidate, Max Taylor, joined the race in September 2020. Taylor's platform centred on encouraging Halifax residents to "get out and vote".[8]

Local market research firm Narrative Research (formerly Corporate Research Associates) polled the public in August 2020 to gauge support for Savage and Whitman (Taylor had not yet nominated). Of the decided voters polled, 89 per cent stated that they would vote for Savage for mayor.[9]

District 12 candidate Eric Jury attracted controversy after publishing a video in which he promised, if elected, to "bring any motion you want forward" on behalf of anyone who donated over $100 to his campaign. Jury's entry on the municipality's online list of candidates included a link to the video. Richard Zurawski, the incumbent councillor for District 12, stated that he was "absolutely floored" by the video, and expressed concern that municipal staff had apparently not vetted material posted to the elections website. The legality of Jury's proclamation was questioned. A city spokesperson responded, "the returning officer for the election has reached out to this candidate, and the video has been removed. No further action will be taken at this time."[10] Jury received only two per cent of votes cast in the district, and was not elected.

Advance telephone and Internet polls ran from October 6 to 14. Advance in-person polls ran from October 10 to 13. The election was held on October 17.[11]

Mike Savage was re-elected as mayor by a large margin, earning a greater share of votes (80 per cent) than in 2016 (68 per cent). A record number of women (eight) were elected, achieving gender parity on council for the first time in history.[12] In contrast, only two women were elected in the 2016 election.[13] Of the 11 incumbent councillors that ran for re-election, nine retained their seats while two (Steve Streatch and Richard Zurawski) did not.

The results for most districts were known by the end of election day, as the unofficial results provided a clear indication of the winning candidates. However, the race in District 11 was too close to call, as Patty Cuttell led Bruce Holland by a small margin and results from two polls had not been published. The results were issued the following afternoon, with Cuttell winning the race by 28 votes.[12] The municipal returning officer attributed the delay to confusion surrounding the tallying of two advance polls, as well as a large number of new, inexperienced election staff.[14] Holland requested an official recount, commenting that the number of spoiled and rejected ballots was greater than the 28 votes that won the race.[15] On 28 October 2020, the judicial recount was officially ordered.[16] The recount confirmed Cuttell's win.[17]

Voter turnout increased over the previous election. In 2016, only 33.62 per cent of eligible residents voted. In 2020, approximately 39.65 per cent voted.[18] A professor of political science at Cape Breton University commented that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may have prompted a stronger interest in community affairs. The pandemic may also have encouraged the use of e-voting.[19]

The new council was sworn in on 29 October 2020 at the Halifax Convention Centre with the exception of Patty Cuttell, who had to await the results of the District 11 recount.[20] [16] Cuttell was sworn in on 10 November.[21]

Candidates and results

Note: The figures below do not take into account spoiled or rejected ballots.

Mayor

Mike Savage was re-elected as mayor.

CandidateVotes%
Mike Savage (incumbent)102,735 80.16
Matt Whitman13,497 10.53
Max Taylor11,928 9.31
Total128,160 100
Registered voters/turnout322,232 39.77
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality[22]

District 1: Waverley - Fall River - Musquodoboit Valley

Cathy Deagle Gammon was elected, unseating incumbent Steve Streatch.

CandidateVotes%
Cathy Deagle Gammon3,062 42.38
Steve Streatch (incumbent)2,953 40.87
Stephen Kamperman1,005 13.91
Arthur Wamback205 2.84
Total7,225 100
Registered voters/turnout16,68643.30
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality

District 2: Preston - Chezzetcook - Eastern Shore

Incumbent David Hendsbee was re-elected.

CandidateVotes%
David Hendsbee (incumbent)4,379 50.90
Nicoll Johnson2,43628.32
Tim Milligan1,538 17.88
David Boyd250 2.91
Total8,603 100
Registered voters/turnout20,609 41.74
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality

District 3: Dartmouth South - Eastern Passage

Incumbent Bill Karsten did not re-offer.[23] Becky Kent, who served as regional councillor for the former Woodside-Eastern Passage district from 2004 to 2007, was elected.

CandidateVotes%
Becky Kent4,309 43.44
Vishal Bhardwaj1,818 18.33
Lloyd Jackson1,575 15.88
Clinton Desveaux1,283 12.93
George Mbamalu934 9.42
Total9,919 100
Registered voters/turnout22,851 43.41
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality

District 4: Cole Harbour - Westphal

Incumbent Lorelei Nicoll did not re-offer.[24] Trish Purdy was elected.

CandidateVotes%
Trish Purdy1,634 19.70
Darryl Johnson1,294 15.60
Jessica Quillan1,111 13.40
Chris Mont1,039 12.53
Kevin Foran858 10.35
Tania Meloni758 9.14
John Stewart597 7.20
Jamie MacNeil451 5.44
Jerome Lagmay169 2.04
Ryan Burris144 1.74
Caroline Williston125 1.51
Marisa DeMarco113 1.36
Total8,293 100
Registered voters/turnout19,709 42.08
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality

District 5: Dartmouth Centre

Incumbent Sam Austin was re-elected.

CandidateVotes%
Sam Austin (incumbent)7,769 82.07
Mitch McIntyre1,697 17.93
Total9,466 100
Registered voters/turnout22,292 42.46
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality

District 6: Harbourview - Burnside - Dartmouth East

Incumbent Tony Mancini was re-elected.

CandidateVotes%
Tony Mancini (incumbent)5,637 79.72
Ibrahim Manna960 13.58
Douglas Day474 6.70
Total7,071 100
Registered voters/turnout20,142 35.11
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality

District 7: Halifax South Downtown

Incumbent Waye Mason was re-elected.

CandidateVotes%
Waye Mason (incumbent)3,728 62.11
Jen Powley1,882 31.36
Craig Roy287 4.78
Richard Arundel-Evans105 1.75
Total6,002 100
Registered voters/turnout18,512 32.42
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality

District 8: Halifax Peninsula North

Incumbent Lindell Smith was re-elected.

CandidateVotes%
Lindell Smith (incumbent)5,779 67.88
Virginia Hinch2,261 26.56
Dylan Kennedy473 5.56
Total8,513 100
Registered voters/turnout21,100 40.35
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality

District 9: Halifax West Armdale

Incumbent Shawn Cleary was re-elected.

CandidateVotes%
Shawn Cleary (incumbent)3,880 41.72
Stephen Foster2,913 31.32
Bill Carr1,846 19.85
Shaun Clark375 4.03
Gerry Lonergan286 3.08
Total9,300 100
Registered voters/turnout21,511 43.23
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality

District 10: Halifax - Bedford Basin West

Incumbent Russell Walker did not re-offer.[25] Kathryn Morse was elected.

CandidateVotes%
Kathryn Morse1,924 27.48
Debbie MacKinnon1,286 18.37
Renee Field1,190 17.00
Andrew Curran1,100 15.71
Mohammad Ehsan850 12.14
Sherry Hassanali372 5.31
Kyle Morton165 2.36
Christopher Hurry115 1.64
Total7,002 100
Registered voters/turnout19,154 36.56
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality

District 11: Spryfield - Sambro Loop - Prospect Road

Incumbent Steve Adams did not re-offer.[26] Patty Cuttell was elected.

CandidateVotes%
Patty Cuttell1,662 19.58
Bruce Holland1,635 19.25
Matthew Conrad1,482 17.46
Pete Rose972 11.45
Bruce Cooke781 9.20
Hannah Munday465 5.48
Jim Hoskins441 5.19
Ambroise Matwawana309 3.65
Stephen Chafe274 3.23
Lisa Mullin252 2.97
Kristen Hollery151 1.77
Dawn Edith Penney66 0.78
Total8,490 100
Registered voters/turnout20,844 40.73
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality[27]

District 12: Timberlea - Beechville - Clayton Park - Wedgewood

Iona Stoddard was elected, unseating incumbent Richard Zurawski.

CandidateVotes%
Iona Stoddard3,074 37.65
Richard Zurawski (incumbent)2,675 32.76
John Bignell2,243 27.47
Eric Jury173 2.12
Total8,165 100
Registered voters/turnout20,968 38.94
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality

District 13: Hammonds Plains - St. Margarets

Incumbent councillor Matt Whitman did not re-offer as he ran for mayor. Candidates are not allowed to run for mayor and councillor at the same time.[28] Pam Lovelace was elected.

CandidateVotes%
Pam Lovelace3,444 36.26
Nick Horne2,164 22.78
Darrell Jessome1,808 19.03
Tim Elms1,053 11.09
Harry Ward323 3.40
Tom Arnold307 3.23
Robert Holden178 1.87
Iain Taylor144 1.52
Derek Bellemore78 0.82
Total9,499 100
Registered voters/turnout19,845 47.87
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality

District 14: Middle/Upper Sackville - Beaver Bank - Lucasville

Incumbent Lisa Blackburn was re-elected.

CandidateVotes%
Lisa Blackburn (incumbent)4,898 85.11
Greg Frampton857 14.89
Total5,755 100
Registered voters/turnout18,012 31.95
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality

District 15: Lower Sackville

Incumbent Paul Russell was re-elected.

CandidateVotes%
Paul Russell (incumbent)2,901 51.56
Jay Aaron Roy916 16.46
David Schofield648 11.68
Mary Lou LeRoy644 11.60
Anthony Mrkonjic480 8.71
Total5,589 100
Registered voters/turnout16,747 33.37
align=left colspan=3Source: Halifax Regional Municipality

District 16: Bedford - Wentworth

Incumbent Tim Outhit was re-elected by acclamation.[29] [30]

Conseil scolaire acadien provincial

Three candidates for the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial were elected by acclamation, namely: Jeff Arsenault, Katherine Howlett, and Marc Pinet.[22]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Municipal elections . Halifax Regional Municipality . 29 June 2020.
  2. Web site: Current Polling District Boundaries . Halifax Regional Municipality . 16 September 2020.
  3. News: Munro . Nicole . Halifax councillor Stephen Adams will not reoffer in next municipal election . The Chronicle Herald . 18 October 2019.
  4. News: Campbell . Francis . Veteran HRM councillor Bill Karsten announces he won't reoffer this fall . Halifax Chroncle-Herald . 25 May 2020.
  5. News: Groff . Megham . Russell Walker not reoffering in upcoming municipal election . 22 July 2020.
  6. News: Woodford . Zane . Councillor Matt Whitman announces he’s running to be mayor of Halifax . Star Halifax . 30 October 2019.
  7. News: Benjamin . Graeme . Halifax Mayor Mike Savage announces he'll run for third term . Global News . 11 March 2020.
  8. News: Woodford . Zane . ‘I could win:’ Halifax has a third mayoral candidate — and he’s famous on TikTok . Halifax Examiner . 8 September 2020.
  9. News: Woodford . Zane . Nine out of 10 decided voters would choose Halifax Mayor Mike Savage over Coun. Matt Whitman according to a new poll . Halifax Examiner . 3 September 2020.
  10. News: Woodford . Zane . Halifax candidate guaranteed ‘voice on council’ for campaign donations over $100 in since-deleted video . Halifax Examiner . 27 August 2020.
  11. News: Lightstone . Michael . Q&A with Halifax's three mayoral candidates . Halifax Today . 15 September 2020.
  12. News: Tattrie . John . Last council winner gives Halifax gender parity for the first time . CBC News . 18 October 2020.
  13. News: Gorman . Michael . Record number of female councillors elected in HRM, Mike Savage returned as mayor . CBC News . 17 October 2020.
  14. News: Berman . Pam . Results of tight race in Halifax's District 11 slowed by new staff, poll confusion . CBC News . 19 October 2020.
  15. News: Berman . Pam . Halifax candidate asks for official recount after 28-vote loss . CBC News . 20 October 2020.
  16. News: Renic . Karla . Swearing-in for Halifax Regional Municipality councillor delayed due to vote recount . Global News . 28 October 2020.
  17. News: Quon . Alexander . Renic . Karla . Patty Cuttell confirmed as councillor of Halifax’s District 11 after judicial recount . Global News . 2 November 2020.
  18. News: Campbell . Francis . Voter turnout surpasses that of recent Halifax Regional Municipality elections . Halifax Chronicle-Herald . 18 October 2020.
  19. News: Moore . Kyle . Pandemic might have spurred more to vote in municipal elections: political scientist . CTV News . 19 October 2020.
  20. News: Brand . Matt . HRM council swearing-in ceremony goes Thursday night . Halifax Today . 29 October 2020.
  21. News: Patty Cuttell to be sworn in today ahead of Regional Council . Global News . 10 November 2020.
  22. Web site: Official Candidates - 2020 Municipal and CSAP Elections . Halifax Regional Municipality . 3 November 2020.
  23. News: Quon . Alexander . Halifax Coun. Bill Karsten will not run for re-election in upcoming municipal vote . Global News . 25 May 2020.
  24. News: Woodford . Zane . Halifax regional councillor Lorelei Nicoll announces she won't run again . . 6 July 2020.
  25. News: Quon . Alexander . Russell Walker to retire from Halifax municipal council after 27 years . Global News . 22 July 2020.
  26. News: Campbell . Frances . Eleven candidates challenging for HRM district seat held by Adams . Halifax Chronicle-Herald . 12 June 2020.
  27. Web site: District 11 Re-count . Halifax Regional Municipality . 3 November 2020.
  28. News: Quon . Alexander . 'Halifax's worst-kept secret': Matt Whitman announces he's running for mayor . Global News . 30 October 2019.
  29. News: Quon . Alexander . Tim Outhit to re-offer as Halifax councillor in October election . Global News . 12 August 2020.
  30. News: Munro . Nicole . Incumbent, councillor, TikTok star: 3 men in running for mayor of Halifax . The Chronicle Herald . 9 September 2020.