Municipal Election 2018 - Get on the List!
Ontario’s Municipal Election is set for Monday October 22, 2018, closing at 8:00 p.m. For us, this election includes the position of Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and seven Councillors, as well as school board trustees. The ward boundaries (Ward 1 & Ward 2) have been dissolved and all candidates will be running "at large" which means you can vote for a political representative who is elected to serve an entire area rather than one of its subdivisions.
For 2018 Penetanguishene voters will cast their ballot using the Internet or Telephone. These methods provide flexibility, which allows for a longer voting period than traditional voting. It is also more convenient, more accessible, and better enables electors to exercise their right to vote. Results will be available sooner than the previous paper ballot voting system, with complete accuracy.
Wondering who is running in the Election this year? Check out our Candidate Listing on our website here: https://www.penetanguishene.ca/en/townhall/candidate-listing.asp
Voters List
The Voters List is information collected by MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) but the list is not always as complete or as accurate as it can be by voting day. For example:
- You may be a resident who wants to vote but you (or your spouse) are renting/leasing a space in a building or house so your name and information isn’t collected by MPAC (because it’s all about who pays the tax bill).
- You may have moved recently so you’re not sure if you are on the list?
- You may not be sure what School Board you support through your taxes (MPAC tells us the automatic selection is English Public unless a property owner chooses to change it in which they fill out a form with MPAC to do so). In order for you to vote for the school board of your choice on your ballot – you need to make sure the information is correct.
Please take a moment to check to see if you are on the Voters List and ensure your information is accurate by visiting our website here https://www.penetanguishene.ca/en/townhall/2018-election.asp. Once you start typing your address, it should auto-populate. If you're having trouble with the portal - please contact the office at 705-549-7453 or by emailing election@penetanguishene.ca
If you find that you are not on the list you can simply register as a voter by entering your information on the Voter Registration Portal. You will be required upload a copy of your identification (usually driver’s license) in the system if you are registering for the first time or making changes. Alternatively, registration or changes can be done in person by one of our friendly staff at Townhall during regular business hours. This is a list of acceptable documents for voter identification http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page18734.aspx#identification
Telephone / Internet Voting
During the first week of October people on the Voters List will receive by mail a Voter Letter where they will receive a Voter ID, and PIN number. Starting October 9 at 9am voters simply need to visit the voting website or call the phone number (provided on the letter) enter their personal information and are able to vote. For those voters who do not have internet or a computer (or are simply not comfortable with it) they are able to come into the municipal office and cast their vote and if they require assistance can be helped by one of our election staff.
The Help Centre at Townhall (10 Robert St W) will be open from October 9 to October 19 (During regular office hours). We are also opening the Help Centre here at Townhall on Saturday October 13 and 20 from 12-4pm to assist any of those who are unable to make it in during the usual Monday-Friday business hours. On Election Day - October 22 - our Help Centre will be open from 9am to 8pm where voters can get assistance.
It is important to note that stealing and opening another person’s mail is illegal. It is also illegal to represent yourself as another person and steal their right to vote in an election. Both of these acts are illegal and have penalties (fines and imprisonment) defined by law. If you know someone has voted a PIN illegally you should report it to the election officials which will then be reported to the Ontario Provincial Police and investigated fully.
For more information on the 2018 Municipal Election - visit our website.