Andrea Coyne, Manager of Elections, Policy, Print Services, provided introductory remarks on the 2022 Municipal Election Accessibility Report, which identifies the actions taken to remove barriers, and to ensure a positive election experience for all voters. Ms. Coyne advised that the Municipal Election Accessibility Plan was presented to the committee on June 9, 2022. Staff will finalize the draft report and make it available on the town website after the committee discussion. Making the report available to the public is a requirement under the Municipal Elections Act.
Antonia Mancuso, Elections and Special Projects Coordinator, advised of the commitment to removing accessibility barriers for voters in the municipal election whether in person or taking advantage of other voting options, and sharing successes. Ms. Mancuso reported on the voting service options, including the home vote program (20 people registered), which was a pilot project in 2018, curbside voting (6 curbsides booked and additional ones on advance voting and voting day), and the first official drive thru pilot project in the parking garage at Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre for Ward 3 voters (roughly 350 people). Ms. Mancuso advised that expanding the drive thru program will be considered for 2026. Ms. Mancuso indicated that the voting service reached much further than traditional accessibility needs.
Ms. Mancuso reported on student engagement, including the town of future voters (1,229 children voted in an election over the summer), and a municipal election information session hosted for a class of Grade 10 students from Abbey Park High School on advance voting day October 13, 2022 at Town Hall in the Council Chamber. She advised that this school and other schools will be hosted each semester of the school year to broaden the project. Staff also connected and partnered with Sheridan College, which was as a voting location that was staffed by students.
Marija Radomirovic, Elections Officer, reported on proxy voting, which also allowed people travelling a chance to vote (approximately 52 proxies issued). Ms. Radomirovic provided examples of those who needed assistance while in the voting location, including language assistance to call the 311 Language Line for voting information, and interpreting provided by election staff to assist in eliminating barriers. She also advised of voting at retirement residences and long-term care facilities with 10 locations hiring their own workers and staff provided to 11 other locations (about 450 voters at special voting locations).
Ms. Mancuso asked for the committee's feedback on the draft municipal election accessibility report.
The committee provided the following comments for consideration:
- concern with voter turnout;
- Ward 3 residents were pleased with the voting options;
- a positive voting experience in navigating a double stroller at a community centre; and
- the distances and spaces accommodate wheelchairs and double strollers.
Ms. Mancuso advised that election staff inspect voting locations to make them accessible as possible.
Ms. Coyne advised that a past member of the committee assisted with the setup for spaces and distances in voting locations.
The committee was pleased with the electoral experience and dealing with accessibility barriers. The committee thanked staff for their consideration and accommodation that was made in the municipal election, and making Oakville accessible especially for voting.