Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,
With the municipal election slated to take place on October 24, the City is announcing new measures focusing on increasing access and reducing barriers when it comes to this year’s election.
For more details, please continue reading below…
To promote greater access to voting, the City will be leveraging technology, performing targeted community outreach, and introducing new ways to vote – such as vote by mail – as well as voting polls located at post-secondary institutions and other key community hubs to provide easy access for students, equity-seeking groups and vulnerable populations.
Improving Voter Experience
Hamilton voters can look forward to these measures and opportunities in place aimed at reducing barriers and making their voting experience as easy as possible:
- Using technology in new ways to increase access.
- Voterlookup.ca to check if you are on the voters list and add yourself online up to September 1, 2022.
- E-poll books and electronic strike off at the polls.
- Increasing the ways electors can cast their ballot.
- A new Vote by Mail option for the general public was approved by City Council as an alternative voting method for 2022 allowing electors to register to receive a ballot package between September 1 to 23, 2022. Packages must be received by Election Day, October 24, 2022, and can be submitted in person via a drop box at designated locations or mailed in via Canada Post.
- Ballot on Demand at McMaster University, Mohawk College and Redeemer University will allow eligible students/voters to vote on campus regardless of their ward on October 18, 2022.
- Advance voting days will provide voters with many opportunities to visit a polling station and cast their vote, and are scheduled for October 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2022.
- Facilitating polling locations across the city.
- 157 polling stations across all 15 wards, which includes at least one accessible location and tablet reader in each ward.
- Launching a targeted engagement and informational campaign.
- Five Elections Ambassadors will attend community locations and events and set up information booths around the city this summer to engage with voters where they are and raise awareness about the election.
- Engaging youth and empowering them to vote.
- Working with post-secondary institutions to raise awareness about the election and holding citywide ballot on demand polls at McMaster University, Mohawk College and Redeemer University on October 18, 2022.
- Removing barriers for traditionally under-represented and vulnerable populations and those who may experience barriers.
- Engaging with community partners and institutions to offer voting opportunities, including ballot on demand days in October at select shelter drop-in locations, as well as other community hubs specifically for equity-seeking groups and vulnerable populations.
- Commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment at polling stations.
- Training elections and polling centre staff in diversity and inclusivity.
- Making every effort to ease barriers of identification for vulnerable populations and those with no fixed address.
- Curbside voting at all polls for those who have difficulty entering the poll.
- For the most up-to-date information on #HamiltonVotes2022 about voting, running or working in the upcoming municipal election, visit www.hamilton.ca/elections.
Quick Facts
- The City of Hamilton provides services that support residents and the community – voting in the municipal election directly impacts the daily lives of Hamiltonians.
- More than 60 per cent of Canada’s core infrastructure is owned, operated and maintained by municipalities like Hamilton.
- Elected officials, like the Mayor and Councillors, are elected to represent the public and govern making important decisions, under legislation, that impact residents’ quality of life and determine how tax dollars are spent. For example, investment and growth decisions about local roads, recreation centres, parks, libraries, fire stations and other municipal services.
- School board trustees are elected members of a school board that make important decision sensuring schools operate in compliance with the law and standards established by the Province to provide educational opportunities for students. For example, decisions that result in educational programs and services that are responsive to a diverse community of students.
- Elections for municipal government are held every four years in Ontario. In 2022, Hamilton voters will cast their vote for the list of elected officials below. Note that voters will only elect one (1) school board trustee as per their school support:
- Mayor
- 15 City Councillors
- 11 School Board Trustees – English Public
- 9 School Board Trustees – English Catholic
- 1 School Board Trustee – French Public
- 1 School Board Trustee – French Catholic
- Individuals in the community interested in running for Mayor, City Councillor or a School Board Trustee can do so before 2 pm on August 19, 2022.
- Eligibility voters are: Canadian Citizens over the age of 18,a tenant that resides or owns property in the City of Hamilton and are not prohibited from voting under law.
- The City encourages and supports all residents over the age of 18 to take part in the election and vote this October.
- To confirm if you’re on the voters’ list in the 2022 municipal and school board elections, visit Voterlookup.ca or call 1-866-296-6722.
Questions or concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact our office here.