What is a voting information notice and do I need it to vote?
If you haven't received it already, it's likely on its way.
Registered Niagara electors for this year's municipal and school board election will receive voter information notices or cards in the mail telling them when and where to vote, including advanced polling dates and locations for most municipalities in Niagara. This may not be applicable for municipalities who will vote by mail.
"Our goal is to ensure that everyone who is registered to vote knows when and where they can do so," said Town of Pelham Clerk Nancy Bozzato. "Voters are encouraged to keep their voter information notice or card in a safe location so that on Election Day they have a quick and easy reference of where to vote."
For a seamless voting experience, it is recommended that the notices or cards be brought with you to your voting location, together with a piece of acceptable identification. Many Niagara municipalities will use the unique barcode contained on each notice or card to efficiently issue the ballots.
If you do not receive a voter information notice or card, you can contact your municipality's Clerk's office to ensure you're on the voters' list and find out where you vote on Election Day. In the absence of a voter information notice or card, provided you are in the correct polling location, if your name appears on the registered list, the following documents are some acceptable forms of identification:
- Ontario driver’s licence
- Ontario health card (if your name and address are printed on the card)
- Mortgage, lease, or rental agreement
- Insurance policy
- Credit card statement
- Bill for hydro, water, gas, telephone, internet
- A document issued from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario, or an agency from such a government
For a full list of acceptable ID, visit Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
A Canadian passport is not an acceptable identification document because you write your address inside your passport yourself.
Advance polling sites permit voters to cast their ballots regardless of their Election Day polling station, but on October 22, you can only cast your ballot at the polling station indicated on the voter information notice or card. Electors are encouraged to check the voters’ list prior to October 22, to confirm the information is correct. You may be added to the voters’ list or amend your voter information up until the close of polls on October 22.
Should a postal disruption occur, and voter information notices or cards are not received, residents are encouraged to contact their municipality’s Clerk’s office
About Niagara Votes 2018
Election staff from the Region and all 12 Local Area Municipalities have partnered to streamline communications. This partnership is the first of its kind, designed to ensure candidates and electors across Niagara are aware of key dates and information for the 2018 Municipal and School Board Elections.
Contact
Marc MacDonald
Town of Pelham, Member of Niagara Votes
905-892-2607 ext. 309
mmacdonald@pelham.ca