The Hidden Impact of a February Election
Feb 22 2025
You know what’s not fun in February? Slipping on ice. Freezing your face off. Waiting for a bus that may or may not show up.
You know what’s REALLY not fun? Trying to vote in the middle of all that.
When I first heard Ford might call a February election, my first thought wasn’t even about politics. It was, Are you kidding me? Who the heck wants to campaign or vote in the middle of a Canadian winter?
Honestly, I am so done with winter right now! I’ve already fallen multiple times this season. Last week, I hit the ground so hard I spent two days in pain because of how I landed on my left arm. And today? I wiped out right at a door and now I’m limping. How much more of this am I supposed to take?
But I’m lucky, I’ll be fine. But what about the seniors? The folks with mobility issues? The people who don’t bounce back so easily? If someone gets seriously hurt trying while trying to take part in this election, that’s on Doug Ford for calling this completely unnecessary election.
Winter elections don’t just make voting inconvenient. They make it damn near impossible for a whole lot of people.
Seniors and People with Mobility Issues:
Older voters are usually the most reliable when it comes to turning out. But this time? They have to decide if casting a ballot is worth risking a fall on an unplowed sidewalk or navigating a snow-covered bus stop. And before anyone says, “But there’s advance voting!”—guess what? That doesn’t help much when most of this month has been a major mobility nightmare.
Transit Users and Non-Drivers:
If you don’t drive, you’re already at the mercy of transit. Now add in:
Sidewalks that aren’t cleared, making it dangerous to even get to the bus stop.
Buses that get stuck, delayed, or outright canceled because of snowstorms.
Fewer volunteers available to drive voters who need a ride.
Good luck making it to your polling station when your bus is MIA and your backup ride is snowed in.
And What About Volunteers?
Campaigns don’t run themselves. You know who makes elections happen? Volunteers.
The people knocking on doors. The ones making phone calls. The drivers taking people to the polls.
And now?
Seniors and mobility-limited volunteers can’t safely canvass because of ice.
Long outdoor shifts in -20°C are brutal.
Snowstorms have already canceled campaign events.
Fewer volunteers = fewer voters reached. And that’s not a coincidence.
Was This Deliberate? Of Course It Was!
Let’s be real: elections don’t just happen in February. The government chooses when to hold them. And they choose dates that help them win. A February election fits the pattern perfectly. And surprise, surprise—it’s not Ford’s voter base that’s struggling the most.
And then there’s the volunteer problem. Because if Ford can’t get people excited to vote for him, his next best strategy is making it as hard as possible for everyone else to get to the ballot box.
Why I’m Doing This Anyway
I don’t have to do this. Nobody is forcing me to care. But I recognize how important this election is—not just for my riding, but for my city and the entire province. We need change.
So yeah, I’m out here, slipping on ice, limping through winter, because I refuse to let Ford’s voter suppression tactics work. I refuse to let frustration and exhaustion win.
And if that means suiting up like the Michelin Man and braving an ice storm just to cast a damn ballot—then so be it.
The Bottom Line
Elections are supposed to be fair. They’re supposed to make it easier, not harder, for people to vote. A snap election in the dead of winter—one that actively endangers voters and volunteers—isn’t just bad timing.
It’s voter suppression.
And if Ford wins? We should all remember: this wasn’t bad luck. This was by design.
If we want a real democracy, we are going to have to fight for it.
So with 5 days till E-day, lets get this done!
I agree with Jennifer and Keith. All these problems are even worse in northern and rural ridings. The early election is also contrary to section 9 of the Election Act which requires elections at four year intervals : https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18ow8xmKsD/?mibextid=wwXIfr
What else happens in winter? Thousands of snowbirds appear in Florida. Most of them that I know would vote Liberal. Perhaps part of the timing strategy?
There is also the pending Supreme Court case regarding spending by Third Parties during the lead up to the election. This is the one where the notwithstanding clause was used to override charter rights of those who wished to advertise about their preferred outcomes. Having this in the news would not have been good for Ford, no matter the outcome.
This “snap” election has been known about for six months, giving CPC plenty of time to prepare their candidates and to make sure everybody is aligned on not attending debates or answering questions. I can’t figure out how the opposition parties were not prepared.