Sarnia-Lambton residents are invited to take part in a community survey and conversation about civic participation and the future of local democracy.
"So we are a community led initiative focused on strengthening civic engagement and participation in our region," said Healthy Democracy Chair Katie Garrett. "Our mission is to strengthen democracy by advancing equity, inclusion, and civic participation through promotion of a healthy information ecosystem that empowers informed communities. So through collaboration with local partners, we engage to serve the public with integrity and fairness, ensuring every voice is heard, and every person feels safe to engage."
The anonymous survey is open to Sarnia-Lambton residents aged 18 and older.
There will be an open table discussion about civic participation and a chance to take the survey on Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m., at the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce on Christina Street.
Garret said they want people to participate to get a better understanding of local voting trends.
"We really wanted to find statistical data in terms of who's voting, who's not," she said. "We want people to have a voice, to feel empowered and to know that their voice matters. So we decided that one way of finding the information that we're missing is by creating our own survey. And, you know, seeing, did people vote? Why did they not vote? If they did not vote, find out some more demographic information, and then, you know, just reasons as to why."
The initiative is strictly non-partisan and is not connected to any political party, candidate, or campaign.
The survey is open until May 1, 2026. Findings will be shared publicly at a later date.
Residents complete the survey at the event or online on The Jean Collective website.
