The countdown is on at the Municipality of Port Hope with only 100 days until the Municipal and School Board Election on October 22 and Municipal Staff in the Corporate Services Department are gearing up to run a historic election, with the first-ever paperless balloting for the Municipality, using only internet and telephone voting technology.
“The 2018 municipal election is a little over three months away and my staff and I will be working to ensure that residents are engaged in the voting process and that they understand the changes to the voting methods,” notes Brian Gilmer, Municipal Clerk and Director of the Corporate Services Department at the Municipality of Port Hope. “Now is the time for residents to confirm their information on the Voters’ List and regularly check our municipal website for updates.”
This year’s election will give the voter the choice to cast a ballot online or by phone. Each eligible voter will receive a Voter Notification Card (VNC), mailed to their residence, and on their VNC will be a personalized PIN for each voter. The voter will simply login to the website provided on the VNC or dial the designated telephone number and enter their birthdate and their personalized PIN. Voters will then select one Mayor, and Council representatives for the Ward where they reside. Voters will also have the option to vote for their School Board Trustees. The internet and telephone voting period will begin on Tuesday, October 9 at 8:30 a.m. and run until Monday, October 22 at 8:00 p.m.
“The internet and telephone voting method allows for a much longer voting period this time around,” explains Mr. Gilmer. “Voters will have nearly two full weeks to cast their ballots and they’ll be able to do so from their mobile devices, landlines, workplaces, or the comfort of their own homes. It’s never been easier to vote.”
Municipal Staff are also reminding residents that Nomination Day, which is Friday, July 27, is also quickly approaching. Nomination Day marks the end of the Nomination Period, the timeframe for candidates to file a nomination paper to run for the position of Mayor or Councillor. Candidates can file a nomination paper and submit the signatures of 25 voters supporting the nomination at the Clerk’s Office, located in the Corporate Services department, at any time during normal business hours, until Nomination Day at 2:00 p.m. This is also the deadline for candidates to withdraw their nominations.
Voter assistance will be available throughout the voting period in October, and residents or candidates with questions are encouraged to contact the Municipal Clerk’s office at 905-885-4544 or visit the Corporate Services Department at Town Hall, 56 Queen Street, Port Hope.
Residents are also encouraged to check and update their information on the Voters’ List at voterlookup.ca and visit porthope.ca/election for all election information.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
