Slide Deck 13: The Voting Process

Did you know that a long time ago elections were held in public Did you know that a long time ago elections were held in public? Voters would have to hold up their hand to express their choice. What potential problems do you think this would cause?

Why do you think it is called a secret ballot?

Who organizes provincial elections? Elections Ontario is responsible for organizing provincial elections in Ontario. Their job is to make sure that provincial elections are fair, secure and transparent. Therefore, Elections Ontario must be non-partisan (independent, not associated with a political party).

Who is qualified to vote in provincial elections?

Who is eligible to vote? To vote in Ontario provincial elections, you must: Be a Canadian citizen, Be at least 18 years of age on election day, Live in Ontario.

What is the Voters List? Elections Ontario manages a list of all citizens that are eligible to vote in provincial elections You must be on the voters list to vote Although you can do this on the same day as you vote, it is better to do it in advance You can confirm, update or add your information to the voters list by visiting the Elections Ontario website

What is the Register of Future Voters? In an effort to improve registration among young voters, Elections Ontario has started a Register of Future Voters To be eligible, you must be: 16 or 17 years old a Canadian citizen a resident of Ontario You can register online at elections.on.ca On your 18th birthday, you will be automatically added to the voters list and ready to vote in your first provincial election.

Voter Information Card (VIC) A personalized card is sent by mail to every person whose name and address appears on the voters list. The card contains individual information about where and when the voter can vote. You should bring this card when you vote. If you don’t have a Voter Information Card, you need to bring identification that proves your name and address when you vote.

Where do I vote? Each electoral district is divided into several smaller geographic areas. Eligible voters living within each area, vote at the voting location designated for their area.

How do I vote? On election day: You can vote in person on election day from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. at your assigned voting location. At an advance poll: You can vote before election day. Typically, advance voting locations are open for 10 days during a provincial election. By special ballot: There are other ways to cast your ballot if it is not possible to vote on election day or at an advance poll. In person, at your returning office (starting the day after the election campaign begins until the day before election day) By mail By home visit if you have a disability and require assistance By hospital visit in participating hospitals

Why is it important to have options for when and how to vote?

What is the process for voting? A voting official greets you at the location and directs you to the appropriate table You need to confirm that you are qualified to vote (providing your Voter Information Card or showing identification) You are given a ballot that has the voting official’s initials on the back. Go behind a voting screen to mark your ballot. Choose only one candidate on the ballot. Hand your folded ballot back to the poll official to check for the initials. Place your folded ballot in the ballot box.

How do I mark my ballot? Voting is done by secret ballot. No one except the voter knows the choice that was made. A ballot lists the names of the candidates running in your electoral district and the political party they belong to. The voter must clearly mark the ballot for only one candidate (e.g., checkmark, x, shading in).

Counting Ballots An accepted ballot clearly indicates the choice for one candidate. A rejected ballot is a ballot that cannot be counted because the choice is not clear or they voted for more than one person. An unmarked ballot has no marks on it. A declined ballot is a ballot that has been returned by the voter to the voting official without selecting any candidates. They must publicly declare to the election official that they are declining to vote.

Discussion Questions Which of the party leaders do you think would make the best premier and why? Which local candidate do you think will make the best Member of Provincial Parliament and why? Which election issue is most important to you? Which party platform do you support the most and why? Which information, events or activities related to the campaign helped shaped your views the most?