Vote with confidence: City of Markham ensures fair voting with barrier-free access to 2018

MARKHAM, ON —  August 16, 2018 – The City of Markham is committed to providing barrier-free access to voting in the 2018 Markham Municipal Election, ensuring an inclusive experience for all voters and a fair election.

Eligible voters have a democratic right to vote for the candidates of their choice and, with Markham's reliable online voting technology, can be confident that their ballot has been successfully submitted, that they will recieve maximum privacy, accessibility and convenience, and that they are doing their part to be environmentally friendly.

The City of Markham reminds residents not to share their unique Online Voting PIN with others. Municipal staff, candidates and law enforcement officials should never ask for it. It is illegal to vote using a PIN that is not yours. Please contact Markham's Voter Assistance Helpline at 905.477.7000 x8683 (VOTE) immediately if you are asked to share your PIN via email, text, social media or in-person. If you have lost your PIN, contact the Voter Assistance Helpline immediately to get a new one, and to have your old PIN deactivated.

Voters are reminded that it is illegal to post a photo or selfie with your ballot on social media or elsewhere. Never use a candidate's mobile device to vote, nor should you ever be asked to share proof of who you voted for with anyone. You cannot vote more than once in a municipality, no matter how many properties you own or rent.

Eligible voters can cast their ballot online or in-line during Voting Days from October 12 to 22, 2018.

The following accessibility options will be available to all eligible voters during the 2018 Markham Municipal Election:

Online Voting

Vote online anywhere, anytime using a computer or mobile device. Eligible voters can vote using their own assistive devices to read and mark their online ballot. Online voting starts on October 12, 2018, at 10 AM EDT and ends on October 22, 2018, at 8 PM EDT.

To vote online, you must be on the Municipal Voters’ List. If a voter was on previous Provincial or Federal voters' lists, it does not mean they are on the Municipal Voters' List. Eligible voters are asked to verify or register their information using an online voter lookup tool.

Voter Assistance Centres

If you do not have access to a computer or mobile device to vote or you require assistance, visit any Voter Assistance Centre across Markham. All locations are fully accessible.

Election officials have been trained to assist voters in marking their ballot.  A relative or friend of an eligible voter may also assist in marking their ballot. The appropriate oath of a relative or friend will be administered by an Election Official. Service animals are also welcome at all Voter Assistance Centres.

Magnifying Sheets

Magnifying sheets are available at all Voter Assistance Centre (upon request) to assist eligible voters with low vision, to read and mark their ballot.

Audio Assistance

Visually-impaired voters will be able to vote in total privacy, using voting equipment with an audio ballot. The voter will hear the list of candidates through headphones. The synthesized voice enables voters to control speed and volume. Choices may be repeated easily. Selections are read back to the voter at end of session, ensuring proper selections were made prior to casting ballot. Available October 12 – 19 for paper ballots only.

Sip & Puff and Paddles

Voting equipment will be outfitted with assistive tools like Sip & Puff and Paddles to enable eligible voters with disabilities to mark their ballot independently. Available October 12 – 19 for paper ballots only.

Pen grips

Pen grips in various sizes will be available at all Voter Assistance Centre to assist voters with marking the ballot with marking pens. Available October 12 – 19 for paper ballots only.

Need assistance during Voting Days?

Contact the Voter Assistance Helpline at 905.477.7000 x 8683 (VOTE) or email vote@markham.ca from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from October 12 to 22, 2018.

Additional Resources

• Vote with Confidence handout
• Voter Checklist
  Visit markhamvotes.ca for more voter information.
  

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For all media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416-737-2684