Non-Resident Landowners Gain Local Vote

Summary#

This Manitoba bill changes who can vote in local elections for municipal councils and school boards. It lets some people who do not live in the area vote if they own land there and meet set rules. It also updates wording so the same rules apply across municipal and school board elections. The law takes effect 180 days after it becomes law.

• Non-resident landowners can vote in local elections and local referendums if they are Canadian citizens, at least 18, and have been the registered owner of land in the area for at least six months before election day.
• The term “municipality” is replaced with “local authority” so the rules cover both municipalities and school divisions.
• A school board form is updated to say “a voter” instead of “an actual resident elector,” to match the new eligibility.
• Resident voter rules are not changed.
• Takes effect 180 days after royal assent.

What it means for you#

• Residents

  • Your right to vote in your own municipal and school board elections stays the same.
  • You may see more voters on election day, including cottage, farm, or business property owners who do not live in the area full-time.

• Non-resident property owners

  • You can vote in municipal or school board elections where you own land if:
    • You are a Canadian citizen and at least 18 on election day, and
    • You are the registered owner on title and have owned the land in that area for at least six months before election day.
  • This applies to local referendums as well as elections.

• Renters

  • If you live in the area, your voting rights do not change.
  • If you do not live in the area and do not own land there, you cannot vote under this change.

• Local governments and school boards

  • You will need to update voter lists and forms to include eligible non-resident landowners.
  • You may need to verify land title records to confirm eligibility.

• Timing

  • These changes apply starting 180 days after the bill receives royal assent.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Property owners pay local property taxes, so they should have a say in how municipalities and schools use those funds, even if they live elsewhere.
• Helps cottage, farm, and business owners who have real ties to a community but are not residents.
• The six-month ownership rule prevents last-minute purchases just to vote and shows a genuine connection to the area.
• Using “local authority” and updating school forms makes the rules clearer and more consistent across municipal and school board elections.

Opponents' View#

• Lets people who do not live in the community help decide services and school matters that mostly affect residents’ daily lives.
• People who own land in several places could get votes in multiple communities, which some see as unfair to single-property owners and renters.
• Does not help non-resident renters, who still have no vote, which may widen differences between owners and renters.
• Could add work and complexity for election officials who must confirm land ownership and maintain accurate voter lists.