Ontario's new legislation surrounding municipal elections is getting mixed reviews from Sarnia's mayor.
Under new provincial law passed Tuesday, cities have the option to introduce a ranked balloting system for upcoming elections starting in 2018.
Mike Bradley says that could be too confusing for some residents and may lead to lower voter turnout.
However, Bradley is happy with the decision to ban corporate and union donations to council candidates and would-be school board trustees.
"Over a year ago when they were first reviewing the act, I asked that they do that," says Bradley.
"It's not a huge issue in this particular community but, in many others, it's the development industry that's running the council so I think it's the right move."
He doesn't believe many Ontario municipalities will adopt the new ranked balloting option, and says Sarnia council still needs to debate the topic.
Municipal campaign nomination periods are also now shortened under the legislation by opening candidate nominations in May instead of January, with an end of July deadline.
Bradley believes that's too close to the provincial election in June 2018.
