Municipalities play a vital role in strengthening communities and enriching the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. This year the Provincial Government is investing $350,000 to support the 2025 General Municipal Election, which will be held in cities, towns and, for the first time, local service districts on October 2, 2025.

This funding investment will help raise awareness of the 2025 General Municipal Election and the importance of accessibility, diversity and inclusion in municipal governance through the following initiatives:

• Create a public awareness campaign, Make your Mark, in collaboration with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador and Equal Voice Newfoundland and Labrador, to encourage new and diverse candidates to step forward for the October 2025 municipal elections, motivate volunteers to support these election campaigns, and increase voter participation in local governance.
• Develop an election tool kit for interested communities.
• Offer voluntary training for municipal election officials, such as returning officers.

Through Budget 2025: Smarter. Stronger. Better, the Provincial Government is also enhancing the well-being of communities and residents in Newfoundland and Labrador by investing $187.5 million for funding programs and grants, including Municipal Operating Grants, Special Assistance Grants, Community Enhancement Employment Program, Provincial Gas Tax, and the Canada Community-Building Fund.

Quotes
“As we work together to support the 2025 General Municipal Election, we are reminded of the need for diverse voices to be on councils to better reflect the growing diversity of Newfoundland and Labrador. I encourage individuals who care about their communities to learn more about local governance and to put their names forward to become potential municipal and local service district leaders.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

“Municipalities are the order of government closest to the people in our province. The upcoming municipal elections are so important. I encourage everyone to consider their passion for their communities, and their desire for positive change at the local level, to put their names forward. This is our moment, we need you at the table, and there is a place for you here. We are pleased to see this support from the Provincial Government for the Make Your Mark campaign and we look forward to working with the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and Equal Voice NL on this initiative.”
Amy Coady
President, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador

“Equal Voice Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to promoting women and gender-diverse individuals at all levels of politics. Advancing equity and diversity in our political landscape means ensuring that every election, including those at the municipal level, is accessible, inclusive and attractive to future leaders. Equal Voice NL is proud to partner with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador and the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs on the Make Your Mark initiative as we continue to strengthen diversity in municipal governments across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Kate Cadigan
Chair, Equal Voice Newfoundland Labrador

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Learn more
Public Advisory: New Date for Municipal General Election 2025

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