Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the Cobourg Debates 2026?
The Cobourg Debates 2026 are community-led, non-partisan municipal election debates designed to give voters the opportunity to hear directly from every certified candidate for Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Council before Election Day.
The debates are organized by a committee of community volunteers whose goal is to provide a professional, respectful, and informative forum that helps residents make informed voting decisions.
Who can participate in the debates?
Participation is open to every candidate who has been officially certified by the Town of Cobourg. The committee uses CobourgVotes.ca as its official source for the list of certified candidates. Every certified candidate will receive the same invitation, the same information, and the same opportunity to participate.
Can residents attend the debates?
Yes. The debates are intended to be open to the public, subject to venue capacity and any applicable safety requirements. Additional information regarding seating, accessibility, and attendance will be shared once the venue and event details have been finalized.
Will the debates be livestreamed or recorded? (Updated September 14th)
Yes. Both debates will be livestreamed and recorded.
YourTV will be on-site recording the events, so you’ll see their TV cameras at the venue. The debates will also be livestreamed on YouTube and through our website, making them accessible to residents who can’t attend in person.
We’ll publish all the information you need to watch online, including links, before the debates.
(Previous Answer) That is our goal. We recognize that not everyone can attend in person, and we are working to provide livestreaming and recording of the debates whenever possible. Final details will depend on technical requirements and available resources.
Can a candidate choose not to participate?
Yes. Participation is voluntary. Every certified candidate will receive the same invitation and opportunity to participate. If a candidate chooses not to attend, that decision rests with the candidate.
How will questions from the public be selected? (Updated September 14th)
The purpose of these debates is to ensure every certified candidate has an equal opportunity to respond to the issues that matter most to Cobourg residents. To achieve that, all questions will be collected in advance through a variety of channels, including:
Every submission will be reviewed by the (Previously: Organizing Committee) Question Development Committee. Rather than selecting individual questions, the committee will identify common themes and develop balanced questions that reflect the concerns raised by the community. Questions may be edited for clarity, length, or duplication, but never to change their intent or to favour or disadvantage any candidate.
Who can submit a question?
Cobourg residents are encouraged to submit questions. You don’t need to be a political expert or know how to write a formal debate question. Tell us what matters to you and what you want to hear candidates address.
Who writes the questions that will actually be asked at the debates?
Submissions from residents will be provided to a separate Question Development Committee who will develop the final questions.
Why isn't the Steering Committee choosing the questions?
We want a clear separation between organizing the debates and developing the questions. The Steering Committee manages the event, while a separate group is responsible for turning community submissions into fair and neutral debate questions.
Will my question be asked exactly as I submit it?
Not necessarily. The Question Development Committee may combine similar submissions, identify common themes, or reword questions to make them clear, concise and neutral while preserving the issue residents are asking about.
Can I submit a question for a specific candidate?
No. Questions will focus on the responsibilities of the office being sought: Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Councillor rather than being written for or directed at an individual candidate.
Will every candidate be asked the same questions?
Candidates participating in the same applicable debate segment will be given equal opportunities to respond under the debate format.
Will candidates see the questions before the debate?
No. Candidates will not receive the debate questions in advance. We want voters to hear candidates respond to the issues being raised by the community, rather than deliver prepared answers to questions they have already seen.
What if I don't know whether my question falls under municipal responsibility?
Submit it anyway. The Question Development Committee will review submissions and determine whether they fit within the responsibilities of the office and the scope of the debate.
Why are you asking residents for questions?
Because your questions are the backbone of these debates. The purpose of Cobourg Debates 2026 is to help voters hear directly from the people asking for their vote about the issues that matter to this community.
Will there be an open microphone for audience questions?
No. To ensure the debates remain fair, organized, and on schedule, audience members will not be able to take a microphone and ask questions directly from the floor. An open microphone can unintentionally give some individuals more speaking time than others, create unequal opportunities, or result in questions that have not been fairly reviewed. Our goal is to ensure every candidate answers the same questions under the same conditions.
Can I still ask a question on the day of the debate?
Yes. Residents attending the debate will have an opportunity to submit written questions at the venue before the debate begins.
Those questions will be reviewed alongside any remaining themes and, where appropriate, may be incorporated into the debate if time permits and they fit within the established format. As with all submitted questions, not every question can be asked, but every submission will be considered.
Who will read the questions? (Updated September 14th)
Questions will be read by (Previous answer: designated question readers) the moderator to ensure consistency and fairness throughout the debate. However, if you submit a question before the debate, the organizing committee may invite you to attend and read your own question during the debate.
If your question is selected for this opportunity, a committee member will contact you in advance with further details. This approach allows community members to participate directly while ensuring the debate remains structured, impartial, and fair for all candidates.
How will the moderator, debate format, and rules remain impartial?
The committee is committed to using a structured debate format that provides every candidate with an equal opportunity to participate. All candidates will receive the debate format, rules, and procedures well in advance of the event.
The committee is seeking an experienced moderator from outside the Cobourg community whenever possible to reinforce neutrality and public confidence. Additional volunteers, including timekeepers, microphone operators, question readers, candidate escorts, and registration volunteers, will ensure the debates are conducted fairly, professionally, and consistently.
What does "non-partisan" mean?
Municipal elections in Ontario are non-partisan, and these debates are organized according to that principle. For these debates, non-partisan means the committee does not support or oppose any candidate or political party.
This includes:
- Inviting every certified candidate.
- Providing equal speaking time.
- Applying the same rules to every participant.
- Selecting questions based on community interest, not political preference.
- Expecting committee members and volunteers to leave their personal political views outside the debate process.
Our role is to facilitate the discussion, not influence the outcome.
What is the Debate Organizing Committee?
The Debate Organizing Committee is an independent group of Cobourg volunteers responsible for planning, organizing, and delivering the debates. Responsibilities include:
- Booking the venue.
- Inviting candidates.
- Developing the debate format.
- Collecting community questions.
- Recruiting volunteers.
- Coordinating media and livestreaming.
- Managing event logistics.
- Delivering the debates.
The committee’s objective is to ensure the debates are fair, professional, transparent, and accessible to the community.
How does the committee make decisions?
The committee consists of volunteers representing a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Whenever possible, decisions are made by consensus. When consensus cannot be reached, decisions are made by majority vote.
Committee members are expected to:
- Remain politically neutral while serving.
- Disclose any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
- Participate respectfully.
- Complete assigned responsibilities.
- Work collaboratively toward the shared goal of delivering successful debates.
How was the committee formed?
The Debate Organizing Committee was established after Maria Papaioannoy Duic issued a public call to action inviting Cobourg residents to help organize fair, community-led municipal election debates.
From those who expressed interest, a volunteer committee was formed to represent a range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The committee continues to welcome community involvement and may invite additional volunteers as planning progresses, based on the needs of the project and the skills required. Committee members are united by a shared commitment to delivering professional, fair, transparent, and non-partisan debates for the benefit of the entire community.
How are conflicts of interest managed?
Committee members are asked to disclose any current involvement with a municipal election campaign, including volunteering, employment, or other direct participation. Previous political involvement is not considered a conflict.
The committee relies on openness, integrity, and transparency to maintain public confidence in the process.
How will the committee communicate with the public?
The Debate Organizing Committee is an independent volunteer committee. It is not affiliated with the Town of Cobourg or any political campaign.
The committee will regularly publish information related to the debates, including:
- Debate dates and locations
- Candidate participation
- Debate rules and format
- Volunteer opportunities
- Ways to submit questions
- Event logistics and updates
The committee does not intend to publish its internal planning discussions or hold public committee meetings. Our focus is on delivering professional, impartial debates while keeping the community informed about the event itself.
How can I volunteer?
Community volunteers are essential to making these debates a success. We are seeking volunteers for a variety of roles, including registration, ushers, timekeeping, microphone support, candidate escorts, question readers, and general event assistance.
If you are interested in volunteering, please email team@cobourgdebates2026.ca with your name, contact information, and any relevant experience.
How will you decide the winner?
There is no “winner” of the debates.
The purpose of the Cobourg Debates is not for the comittee to judge candidates or determine who performed the best. The debates are designed to provide every certified candidate with an equal opportunity to share their ideas, explain their priorities, and answer questions that matter to the Cobourg community.
Who “wins” a debate is ultimately up to each individual voter to decide for themselves. The only official winners of the 2026 Municipal Election will be determined by the votes cast by the residents of Cobourg. Official election results will be announced by the Town of Cobourg through CobourgVotes.ca after voting has concluded and the results have been certified.
What are the Cobourg Debates 2026?
The Cobourg Debates 2026 are community-led, non-partisan municipal election debates designed to give voters the opportunity to hear directly from every certified candidate for Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Council before Election Day.
The debates are organized by a committee of community volunteers whose goal is to provide a professional, respectful, and informative forum that helps residents make informed voting decisions.
Who can participate in the debates?
Participation is open to every candidate who has been officially certified by the Town of Cobourg. The committee uses CobourgVotes.ca as its official source for the list of certified candidates. Every certified candidate will receive the same invitation, the same information, and the same opportunity to participate.
Can residents attend the debates?
Yes. The debates are intended to be open to the public, subject to venue capacity and any applicable safety requirements. Additional information regarding seating, accessibility, and attendance will be shared once the venue and event details have been finalized.
Will the debates be livestreamed or recorded? (Updated September 14th)
Yes. Both debates will be livestreamed and recorded.
YourTV will be on-site recording the events, so you’ll see their TV cameras at the venue. The debates will also be livestreamed on YouTube and through our website, making them accessible to residents who can’t attend in person.
We’ll publish all the information you need to watch online, including links, before the debates.
(Previous Answer) That is our goal. We recognize that not everyone can attend in person, and we are working to provide livestreaming and recording of the debates whenever possible. Final details will depend on technical requirements and available resources.
Can a candidate choose not to participate?
Yes. Participation is voluntary. Every certified candidate will receive the same invitation and opportunity to participate. If a candidate chooses not to attend, that decision rests with the candidate.
How will questions from the public be selected? (Updated September 14th)
The purpose of these debates is to ensure every certified candidate has an equal opportunity to respond to the issues that matter most to Cobourg residents. To achieve that, all questions will be collected in advance through a variety of channels, including:
Every submission will be reviewed by the (Previously: Organizing Committee) Question Development Committee. Rather than selecting individual questions, the committee will identify common themes and develop balanced questions that reflect the concerns raised by the community. Questions may be edited for clarity, length, or duplication, but never to change their intent or to favour or disadvantage any candidate.
Who can submit a question?
Cobourg residents are encouraged to submit questions. You don’t need to be a political expert or know how to write a formal debate question. Tell us what matters to you and what you want to hear candidates address.
Who writes the questions that will actually be asked at the debates?
Why isn't the Steering Committee choosing the questions?
Will my question be asked exactly as I submit it?
Can I submit a question for a specific candidate?
Will every candidate be asked the same questions?
Will there be an open microphone for audience questions?
No.
To ensure the debates remain fair, organized, and on schedule, audience members will not be able to take a microphone and ask questions directly from the floor. An open microphone can unintentionally give some individuals more speaking time than others, create unequal opportunities, or result in questions that have not been fairly reviewed. Our goal is to ensure every candidate answers the same questions under the same conditions.
Can I still ask a question on the day of the debate?
Yes. Residents attending the debate will have an opportunity to submit written questions at the venue before the debate begins.
Those questions will be reviewed alongside any remaining themes and, where appropriate, may be incorporated into the debate if time permits and they fit within the established format. As with all submitted questions, not every question can be asked, but every submission will be considered.
Who will read the questions? (Updated September 14th)
Questions will be read by (Previous answer: designated question readers) the moderator to ensure consistency and fairness throughout the debate. However, if you submit a question before the debate, the organizing committee may invite you to attend and read your own question during the debate.
If your question is selected for this opportunity, a committee member will contact you in advance with further details. This approach allows community members to participate directly while ensuring the debate remains structured, impartial, and fair for all candidates.
How will the moderator, debate format, and rules remain impartial?
The committee is committed to using a structured debate format that provides every candidate with an equal opportunity to participate. All candidates will receive the debate format, rules, and procedures well in advance of the event.
The committee is seeking an experienced moderator from outside the Cobourg community whenever possible to reinforce neutrality and public confidence. Additional volunteers, including timekeepers, microphone operators, question readers, candidate escorts, and registration volunteers, will ensure the debates are conducted fairly, professionally, and consistently.
What does "non-partisan" mean?
Municipal elections in Ontario are non-partisan, and these debates are organized according to that principle. For these debates, non-partisan means the committee does not support or oppose any candidate or political party.
This includes:
- Inviting every certified candidate.
- Providing equal speaking time.
- Applying the same rules to every participant.
- Selecting questions based on community interest, not political preference.
- Expecting committee members and volunteers to leave their personal political views outside the debate process.
Our role is to facilitate the discussion, not influence the outcome.
What is the Debate Organizing Committee?
The Debate Organizing Committee is an independent group of Cobourg volunteers responsible for planning, organizing, and delivering the debates. Responsibilities include:
- Booking the venue.
- Inviting candidates.
- Developing the debate format.
- Collecting community questions.
- Recruiting volunteers.
- Coordinating media and livestreaming.
- Managing event logistics.
- Delivering the debates.
The committee’s objective is to ensure the debates are fair, professional, transparent, and accessible to the community.
How does the committee make decisions?
The committee consists of volunteers representing a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Whenever possible, decisions are made by consensus. When consensus cannot be reached, decisions are made by majority vote.
Committee members are expected to:
- Remain politically neutral while serving.
- Disclose any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
- Participate respectfully.
- Complete assigned responsibilities.
- Work collaboratively toward the shared goal of delivering successful debates.
How was the committee formed?
The Debate Organizing Committee was established after Maria Papaioannoy Duic issued a public call to action inviting Cobourg residents to help organize fair, community-led municipal election debates.
From those who expressed interest, a volunteer committee was formed to represent a range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The committee continues to welcome community involvement and may invite additional volunteers as planning progresses, based on the needs of the project and the skills required. Committee members are united by a shared commitment to delivering professional, fair, transparent, and non-partisan debates for the benefit of the entire community.
How are conflicts of interest managed?
Committee members are asked to disclose any current involvement with a municipal election campaign, including volunteering, employment, or other direct participation. Previous political involvement is not considered a conflict.
The committee relies on openness, integrity, and transparency to maintain public confidence in the process.
How will the committee communicate with the public?
The Debate Organizing Committee is an independent volunteer committee. It is not affiliated with the Town of Cobourg or any political campaign.
The committee will regularly publish information related to the debates, including:
- Debate dates and locations
- Candidate participation
- Debate rules and format
- Volunteer opportunities
- Ways to submit questions
- Event logistics and updates
The committee does not intend to publish its internal planning discussions or hold public committee meetings. Our focus is on delivering professional, impartial debates while keeping the community informed about the event itself.
How can I volunteer?
Community volunteers are essential to making these debates a success. We are seeking volunteers for a variety of roles, including registration, ushers, timekeeping, microphone support, candidate escorts, question readers, and general event assistance.
If you are interested in volunteering, please email team@cobourgdebates2026.ca with your name, contact information, and any relevant experience.
How will you decide the winner?
There is no “winner” of the debates.
The purpose of the Cobourg Debates is not for the comittee to judge candidates or determine who performed the best. The debates are designed to provide every certified candidate with an equal opportunity to share their ideas, explain their priorities, and answer questions that matter to the Cobourg community.
Who “wins” a debate is ultimately up to each individual voter to decide for themselves. The only official winners of the 2026 Municipal Election will be determined by the votes cast by the residents of Cobourg. Official election results will be announced by the Town of Cobourg through CobourgVotes.ca after voting has concluded and the results have been certified.
