CITY TO OFFER MAIL-IN VOTING

Hamilton will be offering residents the option to vote by mail for the 2022 October municipal election.

Aine Leadbetter, the city's elections manager, told members of the seniors advisory committee

Jan. 7 that eligible voters will have to call the city to request a ballot prior to the municipal election.

Leadbetter said voters will receive two envelopes, including a stamped returned envelope that can either be sent back to the city or they can place the ballot into a secured drop box located at city hall.

She said when an individual calls for a mail ballot, elections staff will verify the person's identity.

"We are pretty excited about (the option)," said Leadbetter.

"It does offer some flexibility because of the pandemic."

Hamilton councillors approved the mail-in ballot system last summer. It will cost about $125,000. City

staff expect about 10 per cent of voters could use the mail-in voting option. Voter turnout in 2018 was about 38 per cent.

Leadbetter and her election staff are examining polling locations and talking with various advisory groups for possible sites and how to improve the voting process for the public. She said each ward will have up to 12 locations.

They are expected to meet Accessibility For Ontarians with Disabilities

Act criteria, and for the most part will be near a transit route.

The city will be using recreation centres, as well as schools, facilities that were off-limits during the federal election last fall.

"We have been in discussions with the school boards," said Leadbetter.

Conor Flood, elections co-ordinator, said information about the election and voting will be on the city's website.

There will also be a

dedicated phone line for the public to call seeking help.

Under changes to the Election Act approved by the province prior to the 2018 municipal elections, the nomination of candidates can start May 2, with a deadline of Aug. 19.

On Aug. 22, the city certifies the nomination papers, and in September, the voters list will be available to the public.

The election is scheduled for Oct. 24.