Pawsitive Politics: Calling Ashland’s Future Dog & Cat Leaders!

Voting is now closed. Thank you to all who participated and welcome Mayor Wilbur and Chief Trouble Man!

Now that the serious elections are behind us, it’s time for Ashland to focus on what really matters: choosing our first-ever Dog Mayor and Cat Police Chief. This lighthearted, honorary “pet election” celebrates the spirit of the Center of the Universe and the pets who make our community special. All candidates must live within the Town of Ashland town limits and, if elected, will proudly serve a one-year term representing good cheer, community pride, and outstanding cuteness.

How It Works

Nominate Your Pet: Submit your pet’s campaign info, platform, and photo. Charm counts!
Meet the Finalists: Town staff will select finalists based on creativity, community spirit, and photo clarity. (No political experience necessary.)
Vote for Your Leaders: Public voting commences to choose one dog and one cat winner.
Celebrate the Winners: The elected Dog Mayor and Cat Police Chief will be featured at Town Hall, in community communications, and at future events throughout their honorary one-year term.

Vote for Dog Mayor

Get to know the five finalists for dog mayor below and vote for your favorite! Voting is open to both Town of Ashland residents AND our non-resident neighbors.

Gary Stubbs: Gary really knows how to bring people together with his lovable, adorable face making you lol."

Marti: Marti is a go-getter. As a herder, his main focus is keeping his community united.

Murphy: Murphy loves all, especially his cat so he'll work well with the Cat Police Chief to sniff out crime in our community!

Twyla: Twyla has energy, is very friendly and kind. She is out and about every day on the streets of town!

Wilbur: Wilbur is a uniting force, bringing joy to all. As RMC's "furst pup," he's a town-gown ambassador!

Closed to responses

Vote for Cat Police Chief

Get to know the five finalists for cat police chief below and vote for your favorite! Voting is open to both Town of Ashland residents AND our non-resident neighbors.

Ash: Ash shows strength comes in small packages. She loves playing catch, so she can catch bad guys fast!

Cubbie: Don't try to steal his snacks! Cubbie is tough on crime - a purr-fect candidate for Chief!

Ghost Pumpkin: Ghost Pumpkin patrols the entire Slash Cottage neighborhood, and brings delight to both children and adults!

Jack Black: Jack vows to enforce fair cuddle & treat regulations and quick responses to laser pointer emergencies!

Trouble Man: Trouble Man needs no introduction, his name says it all. He is all attitude and sass!

Closed to responses

complete

Phase 1 — Candidate Nominations

Dec. 8th-15th
Nominate a dog and/or cat for candidacy. Candidates must live within the Town of Ashland's limits. Town staff will select 5 finalists for each position that will advance to public voting.

complete

Phase 2 — Public Voting

Now-Dec. 31st
Two weeks of online public voting for one Dog Mayor and one Cat Police Chief.

complete

Phase 3 — Winners Announced

Jan. 5th
Winners announced. Welcome 2026 by celebrating your new Dog Mayor and Cat Police Chief!

This is hidden text that lets us know when google translate runs.

Pawsitive Politics: Calling Ashland’s Future Dog & Cat Leaders!

Pawsitive Politics: Calling Ashland’s Future Dog & Cat Leaders!

How It Works

Question title

Vote for Dog Mayor

Question title

Vote for Cat Police Chief

Phase 1 — Candidate Nominations

Phase 2 — Public Voting

Phase 3 — Winners Announced