This September, electHER Now is participating in two events designed to inspire and support potential municipal candidates in advance of the 2026 elections.
Currently, only 37% of Ontario municipalities are led by women or gender-diverse individuals. Locally, that number is even lower, with just 29% of elected municipal positions across Bruce and Grey held by women.
“This September, electHER Now is proud to be part of two events that shine a light on the importance of local leadership,” said Laura Wood, co-founder of electHER Now. “By encouraging more people to step forward, we can help build councils in 2026 that better reflect the diversity and strength of our communities.”
On Thursday, September 18 (7–9 p.m.), electHER Now representatives will participate in the Ready To Run 2026 drop-in event at the Rumpus Room, at 237 9th Street East, Owen Sound. As the co-host of the first in a monthly series of events held on the third Thursday of each month, electHER Now will join local leaders who will share their experiences and highlight resources available to future candidates and campaign volunteers. Registration is free by emailing wevotelocal@gmail.com.
On Tuesday, September 23 (7–8 p.m.), electHER Now will join seven other grassroots Ontario campaign schools to present Run Where You Are, an online learning session. A panel of elected officials from different municipalities will share candid reflections on their decision-making process, campaign experiences, and lessons learned—from fundraising realities to time management and finding community support.
The Run Where You Are event is organized collaboratively by campaign schools including electHER Now, The Jean Collective, Municipal Campaign Schools in Wellington, Guelph and Oxford, Politics NOW, Region Women’s Campaign School, and Leadership Féminin Prescott-Russell, with support from The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) in promoting the event.
Registration for Run Where You Are is free. Participants will receive the session link upon registering at: eventbrite.ca/e/run-where-you-are-tickets-1527433106539. Donations are welcome to support ongoing programming.
ElectHER Now is a non-partisan volunteer organization determined to achieve sustainable gender balance of elected municipal officials in Grey Bruce. This group is led by women and supporters with current and past political experience willing to work hard to achieve this shared vision. More information about electHER Now can be found at https://www.electhernow.ca/ or on Facebook and Instagram.
