Powers Irked Over Poll Numbers

A mayoral candidate has some concerns about what he refers to as third party election advertising. 

Robert Powers sent out a tweet over the weekend about  “fake poll numbers” in the municipal election campaign.

Although he wouldn’t get into specifics, the Chatham resident says he’s concerned about the integrity of the upcoming election.

“Some of my campaign supporters called me and brought it to my attention,” Powers says. “What I saw was really surprising, I didn’t think we’d have to deal with that here in Chatham-Kent, basically people coming down here and spending their money and trying to buy the election.”

According to Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, “Third party advertising refers to advertisements or other materials that support, promote or oppose a candidate, or support, promote or oppose a “yes” or “no” answer to a question on the ballot. Third party in this context is a person or entity who is not a candidate.”

Unregistered third party advertising is not permitted during an election campaign, which runs from May 1st to the close of voting on October 22nd.

Powers says he’s filed an information request with the Municipality, asking for clarification on the matter.