On April 5, 2017, Council approved the use of a Internet and Telephone voting methods for the 2018 Municipal Election. These voting methods will replace the Vote-By-Mail method which was used by the Township for the 2010 and 2014 Municipal Elections. By moving to Internet and Telephone voting methods, electors will have an opportunity to participate in an even more accessible, environmentally-friendly, and convenient method of voting.Similar to the previous Vote-By-Mail elections, there will be no polling stations for the 2018 election. However, voting can be done from home or virtually anywhere else in the world with access to Internet or Telephone, and the use of a personal computer, mobile phone or tablet. Public Internet access is available in the Township at the Tavistock and Innerkip Library branches, during their regular hours of operation.
The Township will be working with Intelivote Systems Inc. to provide for Internet and Telephone voting. Here are some common questions and answers to questions electors may have regarding Internet and Telephone voting:
Internet and Telephone Voting - Common Questions & Answers
"Voter Instruction Letters" will be mailed to eligible electors included on the Voters List toward the end of September, 2018. If you do not receive a letter it means you were not on the Voter's List and would need to be added. Included in the letter will be voting instructions, as well as a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN). Voters using the Internet method will log on to the election website, enter their PIN, then proceed to mark their ballots electronically. Voters using the Telephone method will dial into a toll free number, enter their PIN, then proceed to follow a touch tone menu to enter their votes. The PIN contained in the Letter will be required in order to Vote! Voting using the Internet or Telephone will be available starting October 12th at 9:00 a.m. and will be permitted up until 8:00 p.m. on October 22nd (Voting Day).
PLEASE NOTE: If you receive a VIL and are not a qualified elector at the qualifying address noted in the letter, DO NOT use the credentials contained in the letter to vote. Instead, please return the letter to the Voter Help Centre (Township Office - 90 Loveys Street, Hickson). It is illegal to represent yourself as an eligible elector when you are not and vote. It is also illegal to open another person’s mail and/or represent yourself as another person and steal their right to vote. All of these acts carry serious penalties, as defined by law. Please see the list of corrupt practices and statutory provisions regulating voting procedures:
Notice of Offence - Corrupt Practice
Statutory Provisions Regulating Voting Procedures
Please see the following videos showing how easy it is to vote by Internet or Telephone:
INTERNET VOTING:
TELEPHONE VOTING:
The Township's Internet & Telephone Voting Policy and Procedures are posted here