The Incumbency Machine: Why Municipal Elections Are Not a Level Playing Field

Municipal elections are often described as grassroots democracy at its purest level. In reality, however, challengers frequently begin the race several steps behind. In Hamilton, as in many Ontario municipalities, incumbency has become one of the most powerful advantages in local politics — one that can make meaningful electoral competition difficult. The numbers tell part of the story.

In Hamilton’s 2022 municipal election, approximately three-quarters of incumbent councillors who sought re-election were returned to office. In the 2018 election, the success rate for incumbents was similarly high, with roughly 80 per cent retaining their seats.

Those statistics are not unique to Hamilton. Across Canada, incumbents in municipal politics traditionally enjoy very high re-election rates. But while experience and name recognition certainly matter, many observers question whether the playing field has become too uneven.

Incumbents benefit from four major structural advantages. First, there is visibility. Sitting councillors receive regular media exposure through council meetings, announcements, committee work, and public events. Challengers, by contrast, often struggle simply to get noticed.

Second, incumbents possess built-in networks. Years in office allow elected officials to cultivate donor bases, campaign volunteers, community contacts, and institutional relationships that newcomers simply do not have.

Third, incumbents enjoy the power of constituent service. Whether helping residents navigate city bureaucracy, attending neighbourhood events, or responding to complaints, incumbents maintain continuous public engagement throughout their term — effectively building campaign goodwill long before election season begins.

Finally, there is the advantage of familiarity. Many voters, particularly in low-turnout municipal elections, default to the name they already recognize. Municipal politics is often less ideological than provincial or federal politics, making familiarity and perceived stability especially powerful.

The problem is not that incumbents win. The problem arises when competitive democracy weakens because barriers to entry become too high.

If municipalities want healthier democratic competition, reforms should at least be discussed.

One option is campaign finance reform that provides greater support or spending equity for first-time candidates. Another is stricter limitations on the use of taxpayer-funded communications close to election periods, ensuring incumbents cannot blur the line between governance and campaigning.

Greater public access to debates and equal media exposure would also help. Independent local media, community forums, and civic organizations can play a critical role in giving challengers a fair hearing.

Some have also argued for term limits. While controversial, term limits can force renewal and prevent political entrenchment- although term limits  require provincial approval. Others advocate for ranked ballots, which supporters say encourage broader participation and reduce strategic voting.

Ultimately, democracy functions best when voters are presented with real choices — not when elections feel pre-determined.

Experience matters. Institutional knowledge matters. But so too does renewal, accountability, and the constant introduction of fresh ideas. Municipal government directly affects residents’ daily lives more than perhaps any other level of government. The electoral system should encourage robust competition, not quietly discourage it.

Hamilton voters deserve elections where challengers have a genuine opportunity to compete — and where incumbents must continually earn the public’s confidence rather than inherit it through structural advantage alone.

The Hamiltonian’s Before the Ballot series provides equal opportunity for media exposure to anyone running for office.

And for those of you who may not have run before, you may want to check out Before the Ballot- A Candidates Guide for some useful insights.