City of St. Catharines 2018 Candidates’ Guide...• Ensure the third party advertiser is aware of...

City of St. Catharines

2018 Candidates’ Guidefor Municipal and School Board Elections

1Candidates' Guide | Municipal Election 2018

ContentsIntroduction 3

Changes to the Municipal Elections Act 4

Third Party Advertising 7

Candidate Qualifications 9

Disqualifications of a Candidate 9

Municipal Offices and School Board Trustees to be elected 10

Nominations 11

2018 Schedule of Key Dates 12

2019 Schedule of Key Dates 14

Candidate’s Supplies 15

Locations of Voting List 15

Scrutineers 16

Election Signs 17

Campaign Material at the Polls 18

Proxy Voting 19

Advance Polls and Election Day 20

Vote Tabulation Process 20

Election Night Posting of Results 21

Additional Information 21

Notes 22

Procedure for Use of Vote Tabulators 23

Accessible Election Policies and Procedures 31


Introduction This guide has been prepared by the City of St. Catharines as a supplement to the guide published by the Province of Ontario. The 2018 Candidates’ Guide for Municipal and School Board Elections, provides information relating to:

• What’sNew-changestotheMunicipalElectionsAct• Qualifications–seepage9• Financialresponsibilities• Campaigncontributions• Campaignexpenses,• Financialreporting

This guide provides additional information that is pertinent to candidates running for municipal (City or Region) and school board office in the City of St. Catharines. This document is intended only as aguide,andprospectivecandidatesareresponsibleforensuringtheycomplywithallrequirementsoftheMunicipalElectionsAct,includingelectionfinancingregulations,andthattheyareinfactqualified to run for office.

AdditionalinquiriescanbemadebycontactingtheClerk’sDepartmentduringregularofficehours,Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

All election notices willbepublishedinalocalmediaoutlet.InformationisalsoavailableontheCity’swebpageatwww.stcatharines.ca/election

Office of the City Clerk Election Resource Staff

Rebecca AlfieriElection Coordinator

905.688.5601 ext. 1502

Leah LaPlante Clerks Service Leader

905.688.5601 ext.1560

Bonnie Nistico-Dunk City Clerk, Returning Officer

905.688.5601 ext.1506

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

An electronic copy of this guide is available at

www.stcatharines.ca/candidatesguide

All emails and web addresses are hyper-linked

in blue, just click and go!

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Changes to the Municipal Elections ActThe Municipal Elections Act covers administration of the election process, including but not limited to:

• Electionofindividuals

• Referendumsorquestionsontheballot

• Rolesandresponsibilitiesofthemunicipalclerk,municipalCouncil,schoolboard,schoolboardsecretary,candidatesandelectors

• Rulesrelatingtovoting,voterandcandidateeligibility

• Methodofvoting

• Campaignandcampaignfinancerules(i.e.ThirdPartyAdvertisers)

• Compliance,enforcementandpenalties

Followingthelastelection,theMinistryofMunicipalAffairsmadechangestotheMunicipalElectionsActthatwillfullycomeintoeffectfortheelectionin2018.

Highlights of the changes are provided in the next section of this guide to ensure candidates are awareoftherevisionsandnewrulesandresponsibilities.

Key information is already bolded for you.quick tip!


Changes to the Municipal Elections ActImportant DatesTheelectioncampaignperiodhasbeenshortenedfrom37weeksto13weeks.Severalotherchanges have been made to important dates.

New Candidate Nomination DatesAsaresultoftheshortenedcampaignperiod,thefirstdaythatcandidatescanregisterfornomination is May 1, 2018.Thedeadlinetofileanominationforthemunicipalelectionwill be up until 2:00 p.m. on July 27, 2018.

New Requirement for Nomination EndorsementsAnyonewishingtorunforCityorRegionalCouncilmustnowsubmitthesignaturesof25votersendorsing the nomination.

The requirement to submit 25 signatures does NOT apply to candidates running for trustee of a local school board.

Eachvoterprovidingasignaturemustsignadeclarationstatingthattheywereeligibletovotein the City on the day they signed the endorsement.

Ifacandidatefilesanomination,andthenchangestheirmindanddecidestorunforadifferentofficeonthesameCouncil(forexamplerunningasaCouncillorthendecidingtorunforMayor), newsignaturesarenotrequired.Ifacandidatesfilesnominationpapersforthelowertiercouncilandthenchangestheirintentandwantstorunfortheuppertiercouncil25newsignaturesarerequired.

Changes to Campaign Finance Rules• Corporationsandtradeunionscannotcontributetomunicipalelectioncampaigns

(candidates) for City/Regional Council and school board elections.

• Corporationsandtradeunionsmustnowregistertobethirdpartyadvertisers(seeNEW:Third PartyAdvertising,page7)tomakecontributionstothirdpartyadvertisers.

• Thereisanewspendinglimitforpost-electioncelebrations/partiesandexpressionsofappreciation after voting day.

• Acandidatewhodoesnotacceptanycontributionsofmoney,orincuranyexpenses,isnotrequired to open a bank account.

• Ifacandidatesellsitemsfor$25orlesstoraisecampaignfunds,themoneyisconsideredcampaignincomeratherthanacontribution.Inthiscase,thecandidatedoesnothavetoissueareceipt,ormakesurethatthepersonbuyingtheitemiseligibletomakeacampaigncontribution.


New Provisions to Encourage Compliance with Finance Rules• Everycandidatewillbeentitledtoarefundofthenominationfeeiftheyfiletheir

campaignfinancialstatementand,ifneeded,theauditor’sreportbythedeadline.

• Thereisa30-daygraceperiodforcandidatesandthirdpartyadvertiserswhomissthedeadlinetofileafinancialstatementandauditor’sreport,providedthatthecandidateorthirdpartyadvertiserpaysa$500latefilingfeetothemunicipality.

• Ifacandidateorthirdpartyadvertiserhasfiledtheirfinancialstatementbeforethedeadlineandthendiscoversanerror,theycanfileacorrectedfinancialstatementandauditor’s report up until the filing deadline.

• Ifaneligiblevoterbelievesthatacandidateorthirdpartyadvertiserhascontravenedanelectioncampaignfinancerule,thevotermayapplyforacomplianceaudit.Complianceauditcommitteeswillprovidebriefwrittenreasonsfortheirdecisions.

• Therewillbeanewprocessregardingcontributionlimits.TheClerkwhoconductedtheelectionisresponsibleforreviewingthecontributionstocouncil,trusteecandidates and third party advertisers that are reported on the financial statements. Ifacontributorappearstohavegivenmorethanthecontributionlimitsallow,theClerkwillreportthistothecomplianceauditcommittee.Thecomplianceauditcommitteewillthendecidewhethertocommencealegalproceedingagainstthecontributor.

• Itisanoffencetogive,lend,offerorpromisesomeoneanofficeoremploymentinordertoconvinceapersontorunforoffice,nottorunforofficeorwithdrawfromrunning for office.

• Itisanoffencetogive,lend,offerorpromisesomeonemoneyorothercompensationinordertoinduceapersontorunforoffice,notrunforofficeorwithdrawfromrunning for office.


NEW: Third Party AdvertisingTheMunicipalElectionsActnowincludesaframeworkforthirdpartyadvertisingwhichwillcomeinto effect on April 1, 2018,toensurethenewrulesareinplaceforthe2018MunicipalElection.The regulations have been introduced to manage unregulated third party advertising that has been increasing during the past several municipal elections.

Athirdpartyadvertisementisamessageinanymedium(billboard,newspaper,radio,socialmediaadvertisement,etc.)thatsupportsoropposesacandidateontheelectionballot.Thirdparty advertising is also an advertisement message in any medium that supports or opposes a Yes/No referendum question on the ballot.

ItisnowanoffenceforanythirdpartyadvertisertoincuranyexpenseonthirdpartyadvertisingduringtherestrictedelectionperiodiftheyarenotregisteredwiththeClerkofthemunicipality,ormunicipalitiesincasesofmorethanone,wheretheadvertisingoccurred.Registrationallowsathird party advertiser to promote or oppose any candidate that the electors in the municipality can voteforincludingRegionalCouncil,localmunicipalCouncilandschoolboardtrustees.

Thirdpartyadvertisingdoesnotincludeadvocacyorissues-basedadvertising.Groupsthatdopublicoutreachcancontinuetheirworkthroughouttheelectionperiod.Aswell,advertisingthatdoesnotcostmoneytopostorbroadcast,suchascommentsmadeonsocialmedia,arenotconsidered to be third party advertising.

Third Party Advertiser EligibilityOnlyindividuals,corporationsandunionscanregisterasthirdpartyadvertisersand/ormakecontributions to third party advertisers as they are not permitted to make contributions to candidates. Third party advertising must be done independently of candidates. Candidates are not able to direct a third party advertiser.

Eligible to File as a Third Party Advertiser• AnindividualwhoisnormallyaresidentofOntario

• CorporationsthatconductbusinessinOntario

• UnionswhohavebargainingrightsforemployeesinOntario

Not Eligible to File as a Third Party Advertiser• Aregisteredcandidateofthemunicipalelection

• AFederalpoliticalparty,associationorregisteredcandidate

• AProvincialpoliticalparty,association,orregisteredcandidate

• TheCrown

• AMunicipalityorLocalBoard


RequirementsThirdpartyadvertisersmustregisterwitheachmunicipalitywheretheyintendtoadvertiseshouldthere be multiple municipalities.

• ThirdpartyadvertisersmustfileanoticeofregistrationwiththeCityClerkinpersonorbyagent. Registration forms are available in the City Clerk’s Office. The registration form must be filled in completely

• Third party advertisers must sign a declaration of qualification

• Registrationperiod:May1,2018-Oct.19,2018

Mandatory Information on AdvertisementsThird party advertisements must contain:

• Nameofregisteredthirdpartyadvertiser

• Municipalitywherethethirdpartyadvertiserisregistered

• Forprintadvertisements:Contactinformationforthethirdpartyadvertiser(phonenumber,mailingaddress,oremailaddress)

• Forradioadvertisements:Astatementindicatingwhopaidfortheadvertisement

Information to be provided to Broadcasters/PublishersThirdpartyadvertisersmustprovidebroadcasters/publishersdoingthethirdpartyadvertisingwiththefollowinginformationinwriting:

• Nameoftheregisteredthirdpartyadvertiser

• Municipalitywherethethirdpartyadvertiserisregistered

• Name,addressandphonenumberoftheagent/personinteractingwiththebroadcaster/publisher on behalf of the third party advertiser

• EnsurethethirdpartyadvertiserisawareofchangesforthirdpartyadvertisersasmediaoutletsnowhavecertainobligationsundertheMunicipalElectionsActSection88.3(e.g.mustretainrecordsoftheabove,copyofadvertisementormeansofreproducingit,etc.)

Campaign Finance Rules and Third Party Advertisers Theformulaforthirdpartyadvertisinggeneralspendinglimitis:$5,000plusfivecents($0.05) perelectortoamaximumof$25,000.

The spending limit for celebrations/parties and expressions of appreciation after voting closes is 10% of the general spending limit.

CampaigningCandidatesarepermittedaccessintoapartmentbuildings,condominiums,non-profithousing co-opsandgatedcommunitiesfrom9a.m.until9p.m.inordertocampaign.

Landlordsandcondominiumcorporationsarenotallowedtoprohibittenantsorownersfromdisplayingcampaignsignsintheirwindows.

Candidates and third party advertisers are required to identify themselves on campaign advertisementsandsigns,sothatitisclearwhoisresponsibleforeachsignand advertisementthatappearsorisbroadcast.Forexample:“Thisadisbroughtto youby‘JohnDoe,’‘CorporationName’or‘UnionName.’”


Candidate EligibilityCandidate Qualifications To run for Mayor, City Councillor, Regional Chair or Regional Councillor a candidate must be:

• aCanadianCitizenonElectionDay

• atleast18yearsofageonElectionDay

• aresidentofthemunicipalityoranon-residentownerortenantoflandinthemunicipality,orthespouseorsame-sexpartnerofanownerortenantoflandinthemunicipality

• notdisqualifiedbyanylegislationfromholdingmunicipaloffice

• provide25signaturesfromeligiblevotersendorsingthenominationuponregistration

• payrequirednominationfee

To run as a Trustee for a local school board a candidate must be:

• aCanadianCitizenonElectionDay

• atleast18yearsofageonElectionDay

• eligibletobeanelectorofthatschoolboardforwhichthepersonisacandidate

• notdisqualifiedbyanylegislationfromholdingmunicipaloffice

• payrequirednominationfee

Disqualifications of a Candidate The following persons are disqualified from holding office:

• anemployeeofthemunicipality(ifyouarerunningformunicipalcouncil)orschoolboard(ifyou are running for school board trustee) unless a leave of absence has been granted

• ajudgeofanycourt,amemberoftheLegislativeAssemblyortheSenateortheHouseofCommons

• aCrownemployeewithinthemeaningofthePublicServiceActwhoisaDeputyMinisterorwhoisinapositionorclassificationdesignatedintheregulationsmadeunderthatActforthepurposes of Section 11 thereof

• aninmateofapenalorcorrectionalinstitute

• onewhoceasestobeaCanadianCitizen

• onewhoisnotaresident,ownerortenantinthemunicipality

• onewhoisprohibitedfromvotinginanelectionaccordingtotheElectionsAct,MunicipalActorEducation Act

• onewhohasviolatedfinancialrequirementsforfilingfinancialinformation

Despitetheabovedisqualification,MembersofParliament(MPs),MembersofProvincialParliament (MPPs) and Senators may be nominated for municipal officewithouthavingtoresigntheircurrentseatinParliament.However,by2p.m.onJuly27,2018(NominationDay)MPs,MPPs,andSenatorswillberequiredtoresigntheircurrentseatshouldtheywishtocontinuetoseek municipal office.


To be ElectedCouncil Members Mayor:One(1)tobeelected,atlargewithintheCity.ServesasamemberofRegionalCouncil.

City Councillors: 12tobeelected,twofromeachofthesixmunicipalwards:

Ward 1 -MerrittonWard

Ward 2 -St.Andrew’sWard

Ward 3 -St.George’sWard

Ward 4 -St.Patrick’sWard

Ward 5 - GranthamWard

Ward 6 -PortDalhousieWard

NEW***Regional Chair:One(1)tobeelected, directly elected at large by voters from across the Niagara Region. PreviouslythispositionwasappointedbyRegionalCouncilfromthenewlyelected members of Council.

Note: Candidates for Regional Chair must register at the Region of Niagara Office.

Regional Councillors:Six(6)tobeelected,atlargewithintheCity.Representsthe City of St. Catharines at Regional Council.

School Board TrusteesEnglish Language Public District School Board Four(4)tobeelectedatlargeintheCityofSt.Catharines

English Language Catholic District School Board Two(2)tobeelectedatlargefromWards2,3,4,5,and6One(1)tobeelectedfromWard1(MerrittonWard)tobecombinedwiththeCityofThorold

French Language Public School Board One (1) to be elected at large

French Language Catholic School Board One (1) to be elected at large


Nominations Nomination PeriodProspective candidates in the 2018 Municipal Elections must first be nominated in order to raisecampaignfundsorincurexpenses.NominationpapersmustbefiledwiththeCityClerkduringregularofficehours(8:30a.m.to4:00p.m.)betweenMay 1, 2018 and Friday, July 27, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.Note:Anindividual,canonlyrunforoneofficeatatime.

Nomination EndorsementsAnyone running for City or Regional Council must submit the signatures of 25 voters endorsing the nomination. Each individual providing a signature must sign a declaration stating that they are eligible to vote in the municipality on the day that they signed the endorsement.

The requirement to submit 25 nomination signatures does not apply to candidates running for school board trustee positions.

Ifacandidatefilesanomination,andthenchangestheirmindanddecidestorunforadifferentoffice on the same Council (for example running as a Councillor then deciding to run for Mayor),newsignaturesarenotrequired.Ifacandidatesfilesnominationpapersforthelowertiercouncilandthenchangestheirintentandwantstorunfortheuppertiercouncil25newsignatures are required.

Nomination Form and FeesCandidatesforCityCouncilmustfiletheprescribednominationformwiththeCityClerkandatthetimeoffilingpaythenominationfeeof$100incash,debit,MasterCardorVisa,certifiedchequeormoneyorder.ThenominationfeefortheofficeofMayoris$200.

A nomination paper must be filed in person by either the candidate or an agent of the candidate.

UndertheMunicipalElectionsAct,theCityClerkisrequiredtorejectorcertifythe nominations of candidates on or before 4 p.m. on July 30, 2018. A candidate who wishes to withdraw his or her nomination must notify the Clerk in writing by 2 p.m. on July 27, 2018. Thewithdrawalletter may not be faxed or scanned because an original signature is required on all election documents. The candidate must submit a financial statement covering all financial transactions uptothetimeofthewithdrawal.

The candidate’s declaration of qualification must be taken before a Commissioner of Oaths. Staff of the Office of the City Clerk can administer this oath. If an agent is filing the nominationpaperonbehalfofacandidate,thecandidate’sdeclarationofqualificationmustbecommissionedbyanycommissionerofoaths,priortotheagentfilingthepaper.CandidatesarerequiredtoshowproofofidentityandqualifyingaddresswithintheCityofSt.Catharinesatthetimethenominationpaperissworn.

Thefilingfeewillberefundedifthedocumentsrequiredundersubsection88.25(1)arefiledonorbefore2p.m.onthefilingdateofMarch29,2019.


2018 Schedule of Key DatesTuesday, May 1, 2018 to Friday, July 27, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.Nomination Period Candidatescanfilenominationpapers,paythenominationfeeandsubmitthe25signaturesofvotersendorsingtheirnominationwiththeOfficeoftheCityClerkduringregularbusinesshours8:30a.m.to4:00p.m.upuntilNominationDayonJuly27,2018at2p.m.

Third Party RegistrationMay1isthefirstdayanindividual,unionorcorporationcanfilenoticeofregistrationasathirdpartyadvertiser.ThirdpartyadvertisershaveuntilOctober19,2018toregister.

Campaign PeriodThecampaignperiodbeginsonTuesday,May1,2018orwheneveracandidatefilesanominationpaper,whicheveristhelatter.ThecampaignperiodofficiallyendsonDecember31,2018unlessthecandidatewithdrawsthenomination,theClerkrejectsthenominationorthecandidateiscontinuing his or her campaign to erase a deficit.

Friday, July 27, 2018 - 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Nomination Day and Withdrawal of Nomination PapersLast day for a candidate to file his or her nomination papers.

Nominations or withdrawal cannot be accepted beyond 2 p.m.

Monday, July 30, 2018Certification of Nomination Papers & AcclamationsCertificationofnominationpaperstobecompletedby4p.m.Declarationofacclamation(s)providedafter4p.m.

Afterthecertificationofthecandidates,Proxyappointmentformswillbeavailabletoelectorswho cannot vote on any of the voting days.

July 30, 2018 to Monday, October 22, 2018 Proxy Vote Certificates Voters being appointed as proxies must apply for their proxy voting certificate (Appointment for VotingProxy-Form3)attheOfficeoftheCityClerkbetween8:30a.m.–4:00p.m.Duringanadvancevotingday,theClerkwilldesignateanindividualatthevotinglocationforthispurpose.

August 1, 2018Additional Nominations IncaseswherethereareaninsufficientnumberofcandidatesadditionalnominationswillbereceivedintheOfficeoftheCityClerk,between9a.m.and2p.m.

WithdrawalofadditionalnominationswillbereceivedintheOfficeoftheCityClerkbefore2p.m.

TheCityClerkwillcertifyallnominationsonAugust2,2018before4p.m.-proxyformscannotbegiven until the August 1st date passes.


September 4, 2018 Voters’ List Available Voters’ list available to certified candidates.

Revisionperiodbegins–Electorsmayupdateoraddtheirnametothevoters’list.

September 4, 2018 - October 22, 2018 Revision - Application to Remove a Voter’s Name Individuals may make an application to remove a voter’s name from the voters’ list through the Office of the City Clerk.

September 25, 2018 Certificate of Maximum Campaign Spending Limits Clerk to provide the certificate of maximum campaign spending limits to all certified candidates and third party advertisers

October 22, 2018 Election Day - Voting Day Votingplaceswillbeopenfrom10a.m.andclosepromptlyat8p.m.

October 23, 2018 Official Results Declared City Clerk to declare official election results.

December 3, 2018 Term of Office commences InauguralMeetingofnewtermofCityCouncil.

December 31, 2018 Campaign Period Ends (NOTE: Due to City Hall being closed on December 31, 2018, the date will be January 2, 2019)CampaignperiodendsforcandidatesandregisteredthirdpartiesonDecember31,2018.

LastdayforcandidateorregisteredthirdpartiestofileanExtensionofcampaignperiod(Form6).


2019 Schedule of Key DatesMarch 28, 2019Last day for candidates or registered third party advertisers to apply to Superior Court of Justice to extend the time to file their financial statement.

March 29, 2019 - 2 p.m.

Deadline for Filing of Financial Statements By 2 p.m.

• LastdayfornominatedcandidatestofilefinancialstatementforreportingperiodendingDecember31,2018-appliestoallcandidatesandregisteredthirdpartyadvertisers.

• LastdayforcandidatesandregisteredthirdpartyadvertiserstonotifyClerkoffilingextensionreceived from the Superior Court of Justice

After 2 p.m.

• 90-daycomplianceauditperiodbegins

• Startof30-dayperiodinwhichacandidateorregisteredthirdpartycanfileafinancialstatementandpaya$500latefilingfee.

April 29, 2019 - 2 p.m.Last day (by 2 p.m.) for candidate or registered third party to file a primary financial statement andpay$500latefilingfee.

Penalties take affect at 2:01 p.m.

June 27, 2019Last day for persons to request a compliance audit on a primary financial statement.

August 28, 2019Last day for the Clerk to provide notice of supplementary filing requirements and penalties to candidates or registered third party advertisers.


Candidate’s Supplies Whenavailable,candidatesforthe2018MunicipalElectionwillbeprovidedwiththefollowingsupplies from the Clerk’s Department at no charge:

• One(1)copyofthepreliminarylistofelectorsapplicabletotheofficetheyareseeking(electronic format)

• One(1)streetindexofthepreliminarylistofelectors

• One(1)mapofthegeographicareaapplicabletotheofficetheyareseeking

• One(1)listofthepollingplaceswithintheCityofSt.Catharines

• AcopyoftheproceduresestablishedbytheClerkfortheuseofthevotecountingequipmentasauthorizedbyCouncil.

Information for candidates will be posted on the City’s election website at:

www.stcatharines.ca/candidates

Locations of Voting List All eligible electors should check www.voterlookup.ca to ensure they are on the voters list and their name is correctly entered on the list.

Note: Whenusingvoterlookup.caandsearchingforSt.CatharinesdoNOTincludeaperiodinthespellingofSt.Catharines.Searchas"StCatharines"asthesystemdoesnotrecognize "St. Catharines"

Anelectroniccopyofthevoters’listwillbeavailableforviewingattheOfficeoftheCityClerk,ThirdFloor,CityHall,andallbranchesoftheSt.CatharinesPublicLibrary:

• CentennialLibrary-54ChurchStreet

• MerrittonBranch-149HartzelRoad

• PortDalhousieBranch-23BrockStreet

• Dr.HuqFamilyLibraryBranch-425CarltonStreet


Scrutineers A candidate may appoint scrutineers to represent them at the polls during the voting and at the countingofthevote.Theappointmentofascrutineeristobemadeontheappropriateform,whichisavailablefromtheOfficeoftheCityClerk.

Prescribed forms appointing scrutineers must be signed and sealed by the Clerk. A candidate may appointonescrutineerforeachvotingstation.Scrutineersmustshowtheirwrittenappointmentto election officials upon request. Only one scrutineer per candidate may be in the voting place at eachpollingstation.Candidateswhoenterthevotingplaceareconsideredtobescrutineersandone of their scrutineers must leave the voting place during the period of time the candidate is in attendance.

Scrutineers are entitled to: • bepresentwhenmaterialsanddocumentsaredeliveredtotheClerkfollowingadvancevoting

and on voting day

• enterthevotingplace15minutesbeforeitopenstoinspecttheballotboxes,ballots,andallotherpapers,formsanddocumentsrelatingtothevote(butnotsoastodelaythetimelyopening of the voting place)

• placehisorherownsealonaballottransferboxattheconclusionofvotingoneachdayofadvance voting

• signtheDeputyReturningOfficer’s(DRO)statementatthecloseofthepolls

• Theroleofcandidatesandscrutineersinthevotingplaceistoscrutinizetheintegrityof theprocess,notacommunicativerole,andcandidatesandscrutineersarenottospeak to electors.

Scrutineers and Candidates are prohibited from: • attempting,directlyorindirectly,tointerferewithhowanelectorvotes

• attemptingtocampaignorpersuadeanelectortovoteforaparticularcandidate

• displayingacandidate’scampaignmaterialinavotingplace;thisincludeswearingcampaignbuttons or clothing

• compromisingthesecrecyofvoting

• interferingorattemptingtointerferewithanelectormarkingaballot

• obtainingorattemptingtoobtain,insideoroutsideavotingplace,anyinformationabouthowan elector intends to vote or has voted

• communicatinganyinformationobtainedatavotingplaceabouthowanelectorintendstovote or has voted

• handleanyoftheDeputyReturningOfficer’s(DRO)supplies(e.g.worksupplies,phonechargers),andthepollbook

• servingasaninterpreterforavoter.


Election Signs TheMunicipalElectionsAct,1996doesnotsetoutruleswithrespecttotheinstallationofelectionsigns on private or public property.

ElectionsignsintheCityofSt.CatharinesareregulatedbyBy-law2012-154,entitled:ABy-lawforProhibitingandRegulatingtheErectionofSignsandOtherAdvertisingDevices,otherwisecalledtheSignBy-law.(AfullcopyoftheSign By-law is included in the Candidates’ and Third Party Advertisers Packages).

Section2.12oftheSignBy-lawprovidesthat:“No person shall cause or permit an election sign to be erected earlier than 60 days prior to the Election Day or remain erected more than seven days after the Election Day.”

Nopermitisrequiredforanelectionsign.However,candidatesmustcomplywithallapplicableprovisionsoftheSignBy-law,includingbutnotlimitedto:

• SignsarenotpermittedonCityroadallowances(Section2.1)orRegionalroads(RegionalMunicipalityofNiagara’sSignby-law122-2013).

• Generalrequirementspertainingtoallsignssuchas:identification,compliancewithCodes,setbacksfromthestreetandotherproperties,andprohibitionsrelatingtolightsorotherbeacons,obstructionoftrafficsignals,lineofvisionandparkingspaces(Section3).

• Limitationsandprohibitionsthatrelatetospecificstructuraltypesofsigns,forexample,groundsigns,polesigns,portablesigns,projectingsigns,wallsigns,utilitypolesigns,awnings,flags,andwraparoundsigns(Section4).

• ElectronicsignsareregulatedunderSection5.6.

• CandidatesshouldcontacttheMinistryofTransportationwithrespecttotheplacementofcampaignsignsonorinproximitytoroadallowancesunderthejurisdictionoftheProvinceofOntario.

Itisthecandidate’sresponsibilitytoensurethatcampaignworkersarenotcontraveningtheCityorRegion’sSignBy-laworotherlegislation.ContraventionmayresultintheremovalofthesignandmaybesubjecttocostsassociatedwiththeremovalandthefinespursuanttotheProvincialOffencesActorother applicable statutes.


Campaign Material at the Polls No campaign material or literature of any nature relating to any candidate in the election shall bedisplayedwithinthevotingplace.Thismaterialincludescampaignbuttonsoranyotheradvertising material.

VotingplaceisdefinedastheareadesignatedbytheClerkinwhichthefacilitiesfortheconductingofthevotearelocated.Thevotingplaceincludesnotonlythebuilding,buttheentirepropertyonwhichthevotingstationislocated.Thiswouldincludedrivewayaccess,schoolyards,lawns,parkinglots,etc.

Nocampaigningispermittedinthevotingplaceandcandidateswhoareprovidingridestoconstituents must ensure that the vehicles do not display election campaign material if they are accessing the voting place.

No photos of a marked ballot are permitted to be taken inside a polling station to maintain the secret ballot voting system.


Proxy Voting Anypersonwhosenameisonthevoters’list,orwhohasbeenaddedbyrevisiontothevoters’list,mayappointanotherqualifiedvotertovoteontheirbehalf.Apersonwishingtoappointaproxyvoter must do so on the prescribed form available from the City Clerk’s office (or print the form from theCity'swebsiteandbringtheformtotheCityClerk'sOffice).

Avotingproxymaynotactasaproxyformorethanonepersonexceptwhenthepersonvotingbyproxyistheparent,grandparent,child,grandchild,brother,sister,orspouseofthevotingproxy.Avotingproxymayactforoneotherpersonorthespecifiedfamilymembers,butnotboth.

ThepersonbeingappointedasproxymustattendtheOfficeoftheCityClerktoswearoraffirma statutory declaration (identification is required). The voting proxy form is not valid unless it has been signed by the Clerk or their designate.

Forthepurposeofcertifyingappointmentstovotebyproxy,theClerk’sDepartmentwillbeopenatthefollowingtimes:

• Weekdays–beginningJuly30,2018betweenthehoursof8:30a.m.and4:30p.m.

• OnAdvanceVotedaysheldonWeekends,theClerkwilldelegateauthoritytotheelectionsstaffat those Advance Polls.

Proxy forms will be available after August 1, 2018, up to and including Election Day, October 22, 2018.


Advance Polls and Election Day Therewillbeeight(8)advancepolls.Dates,timesandlocationsisavailableforcandidatesandthepublicontheCityofSt.Catharines’websiteatwww.stcatharines.ca/election.

Theadvancepolllocationsareaccessibletopeoplewithadisability;however,theaccessiblevotingballotmarkerdevicewillbeexclusivelyavailableatCityHallonthedatesnotedbelow.Everyefforthasbeenmadetoselectbarrier-freeadvancevotinglocationswithaccessibilityfeatures;however,voters who require an accessible voting facility are encouraged to vote at the City Hall advance poll location poll due to its highly accessible attributes and location on a public transit route:

City Hall Advance Poll

•50ChurchStreet, Atrium,ThirdFloor

•MondaytoFriday,Monday,October1,2018toFriday,October19,2018

•9a.m.to4p.m.

Election Day Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Vote Tabulation Process TheCityofSt.Catharinesusesavotetabulationprocesswherebythevotesaretabulatedonanon-goingbasisthroughoutthedayatthevariouspollinglocations.

Therewillbe24pollinglocations,four(4)ineachWardwithtwo(2)votetabulatingmachinesatmostlocations.Aftermarkingtheirballot,electorsproceedtothevotetabulatingmachine,andwiththeassistanceofthemachineoperator,havetheirballotprocessedimmediately.

Seventeen(17)institutionalpollinglocations(i.e.nursinghomes,retirementhomes,chroniccarefacilities,hospital,etc.)havebeenestablished.Teamsofelectionstaffattendeachoftheselocationsatfixedtimesbetween9a.m.and5p.m.toallowresidentsoftheinstitutionstovoteiftheysochoose.BallotscastattheinstitutionalvotinglocationswillbedeliveredtoCityHallby 7 p.m. for tabulation.


Election Night Posting of Results CandidateswhoareinterestedinreceivingtheelectionresultsastheyaretalliedmayviewatCityHall.Resultsofthevotewillbedisplayedstartingatapproximately8:15p.m.inCouncilChambers,ThirdFloor,CityHall,andconcludeatapproximately9p.m.

ResultsonelectionnightwillalsobeavailableontheSt.Catharineselectionwebsiteat www.stcatharines.ca/election commencing at approximately 8:15 p.m.

Additional Information City Council Meeting ScheduleCityCouncilmeetingsarebi-weeklyonMondaysat6:30p.m.inCouncilChambers,unlessotherwiseannounced,toconsidermattersontheCouncilandGeneralCommitteeAgendas.

Advisory Committees of CouncilThereareapproximately23otherinternalandexternalcommitteestowhichmembersofCouncilmaybeappointed.Committeemeetingsareheldatvarioustimes.Councilmemberswillmeettodecidewhichmemberswillserveonthecommitteesoftheirchoice.

Salary for City Councillors and Mayor• CityCouncillor(2018):$21,029perannum,one-thirdofwhichisdeemednottobetaxable(ratessubjecttochange)

• Mayor(2018):$90,968perannumplus$27,527.04forservingonRegionalCouncil,andanyotherapplicablestipendsforrepresentingCouncilonBoards.(ratessubjecttochange)

AstheHeadofCouncil,theMayorchairstheCouncilandtheGeneralCommitteemeetings. TheMayorisalsoanex-officiomemberofallothercommittees.TheMayorrepresentstheCityatRegional Council meetings and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of St. Catharines Hydro Inc.

For information on meeting times, and compensation for Regional Chair, and Regional Councillors, candidates should contact the Niagara Region:

Niagara Region: 905.980.6000|1815SirIsaacBrockWay,Thorold,OntarioL2V4T7

For information on meeting times, and compensation for School Trustees, candidates should contact the respective school boards:

District School Board of Niagara 905.641.1550|191CarltonStreet,St.Catharines,OntarioL2R7P4

Niagara Catholic District School Board 905.735.0240|427RiceRoad,Welland,OntarioL3C7C1


Notes

Procedure for Use of

Vote Tabulators


Vote TabulatorsProcedure for Use of Vote Tabulators 1. Definitions Memory Card:isaremovablecardwherealltabulatedtotalsarestored.

Secrecy Folder: meansacardboardfolderinwhichaballotcanbeplacedsoastoconcealthenames of the candidates and the marks upon the face of the ballot and so as to expose the initials of the deputy returning officer.

Vote Tabulator: means the Dominion Voting ImageCast Optical Scan Ballot Tabulators that optically scans a specified area on the ballots to read the votes and tabulate the results. This procedure appliestoanelectionconductedbyamunicipalitythathaspassedaby-lawundersection42oftheActauthorizingtheuseofvotetabulatorsatvotingplaces.Wherethisproceduredoesnotprovideforanymatter,anelectiontowhichthisprocedureappliesshallbeconductedinaccordancewiththeprinciplesoftheMunicipalElectionsAct,1996,asamended.

2. Election Officials The Clerk may appoint election officials for the purposes of this procedure and may designate theirtitlesandduties.Forthepurposesofvotetabulatingprocedures,theClerkmaydelegatetheauthority under Section 52(3) of the Municipal Election Act to the voting machine operator.

3. Voting Subdivision The Clerk may divide the municipality into voting subdivisions. The City of St. Catharines does not use voting subdivisions.

4. Ballots Attherightofeachcandidate’snametherewillbeaspacesuitableforthemarkingoftheballot.The space provided appears as a box. Electors vote for the candidate or candidates of their choice by filling in the box completely or by marking an 'x".

5. Vote Tabulators The Clerk shall provide one (1) or more vote tabulators at each voting place.

WheretheClerkhasnotprovidedavotetabulatoratavotingplace,theClerkshalldesignateaplacetowhichtheballotsshallbetakenafterthecloseofthevotingtobetabulatedbyavotetabulator.ThissectionwillapplytoanyinstitutionalvotingplacesdesignatedbytheClerk.

6. Programming of Vote Tabulator The vote tabulator shall be programmed so that a printed record of the number of votes cast for eachcandidateandwithrespecttoeachby-lawandquestion(referendum)canbeproduced.

Thevotetabulatorshallbeprogrammedsothatblankballotsandballotscontaining“overvotes”arereturnedtothevotingmachineoperator.Ballotswillalsobereturnedtotheelectoriftheelectorhasvotedatthewrongvotetabulatororiftheballothasbeentamperedwithbytheelector.

It is the responsibility of the voter to check the correctness and completeness of the ballot prior to returning the ballot to the voting machine operator.


7. Testing of Vote Tabulators Withinatleast14daysbeforevotingday,theClerkshalltestthevotetabulatorstoensurethattheywillaccuratelycountthevotescastforallcandidates,by-lawsandquestions.

Whentestingthevotetabulator,adequatesafeguardsshallbetakentoensurethatthesystemoranypartofitwhichisusedforprocessingandtabulatingvotes,isisolatedfromallotherapplicationsor programs and that no remote devices are capable of gaining access to the vote tabulator.

The test shall be conducted by:

a) loading the memory cards into the vote tabulators

b) tabulatingapre-auditedgroupofballotsincludingballotsthatfallintoeachofthecategoriesofballotsandballotsonwhicharerecordedapredeterminednumberofvalidvotesforeachcandidateandoneachby-lawandquestion,and

c) comparingtheoutputofthetabulationagainstthepre-auditedresults

TheClerkshall,atthesuccessfulcompletionofthetest,sealthememorycardtothevotetabulator.IftheClerkdetectsanyerrorinthetest,thecauseoftheerrorshallbeascertainedandcorrectedandthetestrepeateduntilanerror-lesscountismade.

8. Procedure at the Voting Place Ifavotetabulatoristobeusedinavotingplace,thevotingmachineoperatorshall,inthepresenceofallscrutineerspresent,causethevotetabulatortoprintacopyofalltotalsinitsmemorycardonehour or less before the opening of the voting.

Ifthetotalsarezeroforallcandidates,by-lawandquestions,thevotingmachineoperatorshallensurethatthezeroprintoutremainsaffixedtothevotetabulatoruntiltheresultsareprintedby the vote tabulator after the close of the vote.

Ifthetotalsarenotzeroforallcandidates,by-lawsandquestions,thevotingmachineoperator shallimmediatelynotifytheClerkandconductthevoteusingtheback-upcompartmentofthe ballotboxuntilthevotetabulatorismadeoperationalortheclerkprovidesaback-upvotetabulatorto the voting location.

TheClerkmayassignanelectionassistant,inadditiontothedeputyreturningofficer,toinitialaballot before the ballot is delivered to a voter.

The deputy returning officer or an election assistant shall deliver a secrecy folder to each person towhomaballotisdeliveredatthesametimeastheballotisdelivered.

Aftermarkingtheballotinthevotingcompartment,thevotershall:

a) insert the ballot into the secrecy folder

b) leavethecompartmentwithoutdelayand

c) deliver the secrecy folder containing the ballot to the voting machine operator.

Thevotingmachineoperatorshall,inthepresenceofthevoterandwithoutremovingtheballot fromthesecrecyfolder,verifytheinitialsofthedeputyreturningofficer;and

a) ifavotetabulatorisavailableinthevotingplace,insertthesecrecyfoldercontainingtheballot,intothefeedareaofthevotetabulatoruntilthevotetabulatordrawstheballotfromthesecrecyfolderinfullviewofthevoter;or


b) ifavotetabulatorisnotavailableinthevotingplace,inserttheballot,withtheinitialsofthedeputyreturningofficerfacedown,directlyintotheballotboxfromthesecrecyfolderinfullviewofthevoter.

Ifavotetabulatorisavailableinthevotingplacebutfailstooperate,thevotingmachine operator shall:

a) inserttheballotintotheback-upcompartmentoftheballotbox;and

b) subjecttosubsection13(3),inserttheballotsintothefeedareaofthevotetabulatoraftertheclose of the voting.

Inlocationswherethereismorethanone(1)tabulator,ifaballotisreturnedbythevotetabulator,the voting machine operator shall advise the voter that the ballot cannot be read because theyhavedeliveredtheballottothewrongvotingmachineanddirectthemtotheappropriatemachine.

Ifavotetabulatorhasbeenusedtotabulatethevotescastinavotingplace,thevotingmachineoperatorshall,afterthecloseofthevoting,checktheback-upcompartmentoftheballotboxforballots to ensure all votes are tabulated and immediately:

a) tabulateanyballotsdepositedintheback-upcompartment

b) secure the vote tabulator against receiving any more ballots

c) printarecordofthevotesgivenforeachcandidateand,ifapplicable,thevotesgivenforandagainstaby-laworquestion

d) signthecertificateportionoftheprintedrecordalongwithanyscrutineerswhoarepresentandwishtosign

e) remove the printed record from the vote tabulator

f) provide vote totals for any scrutineer upon request

g) delivertheballotsthathavebeencountedalongwiththevotetabulatorandsealedmemorycard to the Clerk

Afterclosingofthepoll,eachDROatthevotinglocationshall:

a) make out a statement in duplicate of the number of:

(i) ballots received from the Clerk

(ii) ballots counted by the vote tabulator

(iii) cancelled ballots

(iv) declined ballots

(v) defective ballots and

(vi) ballots unused

b) place the original copy of the statement in the statement envelope

c) place a duplicate copy of the statement and all unused ballots in a transfer container provided by the Clerk to ensure the safe transfer of the ballots and seal it

d) place in separate envelopes:

(i) cancelled and declined ballots

(ii) defective ballots

(iii) unused ballots


e) seal the envelopes

f) placeallremainingsuppliesandsealedenvelopes,excludingtheoriginalstatementenvelope,inatransfercontainerandsealthetransfercontainer,and

g) personallydeliverthetransfercontainer,andstatementenvelopetotheofficeoftheClerkortosuchotherplaceastheClerkhasdirectedinwriting

If a vote tabulator has been used to tabulate votes cast in a voting place but the tabulation of the votes cannot be completed because the vote tabulator is not operating or cannot be made to operatefollowingthecloseofthevoting,thevotingmachineoperatorshall,afterthecloseofthevoting and after determining the tabulation cannot be completed:

a) seal the ballot box in such a manner that it cannot be opened or any ballots be deposited in it withoutbreakingtheseal

b) secure the vote tabulator against receiving any more ballots

c) personallydelivertheballotbox,transfercarrier,ballottransfercontainerandvotetabulatortoaplacedesignatedbytheclerkwhereaback-upvotetabulatorislocated

d) followtheproceduressetoutinsection10toensurethatthetotalsoftheback-upvotetabulatorarezeroforallcandidates,by-lawsandquestions

e) insertalltheballotsfromtheballotboxintotheback-upvotetabulator,and

f) followtheproceduresinsubsection13(1)

Ifavotetabulatorhasnotbeenprovided,or,ifprovided,hasnotbeenusedtotabulatevotescastina voting place:

a) thedeputyreturningofficerorelectionassistantshall,immediatelyafterthecloseofvoting,followwithnecessarymodificationstheproceduresinclause13(3)

b) theClerk,orapersondesignatedbytheClerk,shallwithnecessarymodificationsfollowtheprocedures in clause 13(3)

If,atthecloseofthevoting,theClerkisoftheopinionthatitisimpracticabletocountthe voteswiththevotetabulators,theymaydirectthatallorpartofthevotescastintheelection becountedmanuallyfollowingasfaraspracticabletheprovisionsoftheActgoverningthecounting of votes.

TheClerkshall,atthecompletionofthecount,retaintheprograms,memorycards,testmaterialsand ballots in the same manner as is provided for in the Act for the keeping of ballots.

TheClerkshallretainandmayhaveaccesstothepre-auditedgroupofballotsreferredtoinclause 9(1)(b) and other materials used in the programming of the vote tabulators.

The Clerk shall not alter or make changes to the materials referred to in subsection 1.

9. Advance Voting and Early Closing of Voting Places The total of the votes at an advance voting location or at a voting location that closes early undersubsection46(3)oftheActshallnotbeprintedandtheproceduresundersection 13shallnotbefolloweduntilafter8p.m.onthevotingday.


10. Recounts The Clerk shall hold a recount:

(a) ofthevotesfortwoormorecandidateswhoreceivethesamenumberofvotesand cannotbothorallbedeclaredelectedtotheoffice;

(b) ofthevotesonaby-law,ifthevotesfortheaffirmativeandnegativeareequal;

(c) ofthevotesfortwoormoreanswerstoaquestion,ifthevotesareequal.

Theclerkshallholdarecountinaccordancewithanypolicypassedbythemunicipality or local board.

Apersonwhoisentitledtovoteinanelectionandhasreasonablegroundsforbelievingtheelection results to be in doubt may apply to the Superior Court of Justice for an Order that the Clerkholdarecount.Inbothcases,therequestforarecountmustbemadewithin30daysafterthe Clerk’s declaration of the election results.

PriortoCouncil’sconsiderationofarecount,acandidatemustrequestarecountoutliningthereasonsforsucharecount.Ifsucharequestisreceived,areportwillbepresentedtoCouncilfortheir consideration.

Ifarecountofvotesisheld,thevotesshallberecountedinthesamemannerasthevoteswerecounted on voting day.

The vote tabulators shall be tested before the recount in the manner described in section 7.

TheClerkandotherapplicablestaffshallattendtherecountandbringtheoriginalballots,votetabulators,andalldocumentsthat,intheopinionoftheClerk,arerelevanttotherecount.

Ifavotetabulatorisusedforarecount,therecountislimitedtotheballotstabulatedbyavotetabulator on voting day. The Clerk shall ensure that all of the ballots are processed through the samevotetabulatorandinthesamefashionastheywereonElectionDay.

Candidates,and/ortheirdesignate,willbeallowedtovieweachballotpriortotheballotbeingplacedinthevotetabulator.Ifthecandidateorhis/herdesignateobjectstothevalidityofaballot,theballotwillbesetaside,andadeterminationofthevalidityoftheballotwillbemadebytheCityClerk.Allnon-disputedballotswillbetabulatedbythesamevotetabulatorandinthesamefashionastheywereonElectionDay.

The Clerk shall give notice of the recount to:

• everycertifiedcandidateforanofficethatisthesubjectoftherecount

• inthecaseofarecountrequestedundersubsection57(1)oftheAct,theCouncil,localboardorMinister,asthecasemaybe

• inthecaseofarecountorderedundersection58oftheAct,theapplicant,and

• inthecaseofarecountconcerninganoffice,questionorby-lawinrespectofwhichelectorsofanothermunicipalityareentitledtovote,theClerkwhowasresponsiblefortheconductofthe vote in that other municipality


The Clerk shall open the ballot boxes and process the ballots through the vote tabulators in the samefashionastheywereonElectionDayandtabulate:

• inthecaseofarecountinanelectionforanoffice,thenumberofvotesforeachcandidatewhoissubjecttotherecountundersections56,57,58,or59oftheAct

• inthecaseofarecountinanelectiontoobtaintheassentoftheelectorstoaby-law,thenumberofvotesinfavouroftheby-lawandthenumberopposed,and

• inthecaseofarecountinanelectiontoobtaintheopinionoftheelectorsonaquestion,thenumberofvotesforeachpossibleanswertothequestion

The Clerk may conduct the recount by processing the memory cards if agreement is received from:

• eachcandidate,subjecttotherecountundersection56,57,58,or59oftheAct,

• theCouncilthatsubmittedtheby-law,inthecaseofarecountinanelectiontoobtaintheassentoftheelectorstoaby-law

• theMinister,Councilorlocalboardthatsubmittedthequestions,inthecaseofarecountinanelectiontoobtaintheopinionoftheelectorsonaquestion,and

• theapplicant,inthecaseofarecountorderedundersection58oftheAct

Dated the 26 day of March, 2018 Bonnie Nistico-Dunk City Clerk, Returning Officer

Accessible Election Policies and Procedures


ContentsAccessible Election Policies and Procedures 311. Introduction 35

2. Staff Training and Election Assistance 352.1 Staff Training 35

2.2 Provision of Election Information 35

2.3 Notice of Temporary Service Disruption 36

2.4 StaffAssistance 36

3. Assistance to Candidates 373.1 ServiceAnimals,SupportPersons,AssistiveDevices 37

3.2 Campaign Expenses 37

4. Assistance to Electors 374.1 VotingbyProxy 37

4.2 VotingLocations 37

4.3 TransittotheVotingLocation 37

4.4 Parking 37

4.5 ServiceAnimals,SupportPersons,AssistiveDevices 37

4.6 EntrancetotheVotingLocation 38

4.7 InteriorVotingArea 38

4.8 AccessibleVotingBooths 38

4.9.1 AdvancePollsOnly–AccessibleVotingTechnologies 38

4.9.2 AttributesofAdvancePollLocations 39

4.9.3 ElectionDay 39

4.10 VotingAssistance 39

5. Additional Information 40

5.1 City of St. Catharines – Office of the City Clerk 405.2 CityofSt.Catharines-ElectionWebsite 40

5.4 MinistryofCommunityandSocialServices 40

5.5 ServiceOntario–e-Laws 40

Advance Polls and Election Day 40


Accessible Election Policies and Procedures 1. Introduction The Office of the City Clerk is responsible for the proper legislative and administrative conduct of municipal elections in the City of St. Catharines.

InaccordancewiththeMunicipal Elections Act, 1996, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, (AODA) the City Clerk is authorizedtoestablishproceduresandprovideappropriatemeasurestoensurethatpersonswithdisabilities have the opportunity to participate fully in the 2018 Municipal Elections.

Accordingly,the2018MunicipalElectionswillbeconductedinsuchamannertoensurethat:

• Candidatesandelectorswithdisabilitieshavefullandequalaccesstoallelectioninformationand services.

• PersonswithdisabilitieshavefullaccesstoVotingLocations.

• Personswithdisabilitiesareabletoindependentlyandprivatelymarktheirballotandhaveaccess to alternative methods of voting assistance.

Beforeandaftertheelection,theCityClerksubmitsareporttoCouncilconcerningtheidentification,removalandpreventionofbarriersthataffectelectorsandcandidateswithdisabilities.

2. Staff Training and Election Assistance

2.1 Staff Training Allstaffcarryingoutelectiondutieswillbetrainedtorecognizeandensurethatpersonswithdisabilitiesareservedinawaythataccommodatestheirneeds.Trainingwillinclude:

• Howtointeractandcommunicatewithpersonswithvarioustypesofdisability.

• Howtointeractwithpersonswithdisabilitieswhouseassistivedevicesorrequiretheassistanceof a service animal or support person.

• Howtousevotingequipmentandassistivedevicestodeliverelectionservices.

• Whattodoifapersonishavingdifficultyaccessingelectioninformationorservices.

2.2 Provision of Election Information Candidatesandelectorswithdisabilitieswillbeabletoreceiveinformationandcopiesofelectiondocuments upon request in a format that takes into account their disability. The Elections and AccessdocumentisavailableinbrochureformatorontheCity’selectionwebsiteat www.stcatharines.ca/election and is also available from the Office of the City Clerk. The City of St.Catharines'websiteisW3CcompliantandupdatedtoWCAG2.0.Additionally,theCityof St.Catharines'websiteoffersBrowse-AloudwithtexttospeechbyvisitingtheCity’swebsite, www.stcatharines.ca,andclicking“accessibility”atthebottomofthewebsite.Thetexttospeech application is free to all users.


2.3 Notice of Temporary Service Disruption Ifthereisatemporarydisruptioninthedeliveryofelectioninformationorservices,theOfficeoftheCityClerkshallprovidepublicnoticeinaccordancewithitsAODACorporateAccessibilityPolicy.Thenoticeshallincludethereasonforthedisruption,anticipateddurationandadescriptionofalternative methods of delivering the information or service. Every effort shall be made to provide alternativemethodsofprovidingtheinformationorservicetopersonswithdisabilities.

2.4 Staff Assistance TheOfficeoftheCityClerk’sstaffareavailabletoassistwithanyissuesthatmayarisewith respecttoprovidingabarrier-freeelectionandcanbereachedbywayofthecontact informationprovidedbelow:

Telephone: 905.688.5601,ext.1517

TTY: 905.688.4TTY(4889)

Email: [email protected]

Mail: OfficeoftheCityClerk, 50ChurchSt.,P.O.Box3012, St.Catharines,ON,L2R7C2

In Person: TheOfficeoftheCityClerk, ThirdFloor,50ChurchSt., St. Catharines

The following members of our election staff can be contacted directly for assistance:

Office of the City Clerk Election Resource Staff

Rebecca Alfieri,Election Coordinator

905.688.5601 ext. 1502

Leah LaPlante Clerks Service Leader

905.688.5601 ext.1560

Bonnie Nistico-Dunk City Clerk, Returning Officer

905.688.5601 ext.1506

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

call me email me


3. Assistance to Candidates

3.1 Service Animals, Support Persons, Assistive DevicesCandidatesandscrutineerswithdisabilitiesarepermittedtobeaccompaniedbyaserviceanimal,supportperson,orassistivedeviceatallvotinglocationsandotherdesignatedelectionlocations.

3.2 Campaign Expenses Expensesthatareincurredbyacandidatewithadisabilitythataredirectlyrelatedtothedisability,andwouldnothavebeenincurredbutfortheelection,areexcludedfromthepermittedspendinglimit for the candidate.

4. Assistance to Electors

4.1 Voting by Proxy PriortoElectionDay,apersonwithadisabilitythatisunabletogoouttoavotinglocationmay appoint another person to act as a voting proxy to cast a ballot on his or her behalf. The appointment must be made on the prescribed form available from the Office of the City Clerk and ontheCity’swebsite.Thepersonbeingappointedasaproxywillberequiredtotakeastatutorydeclaration before a Commissioner of Oaths. Staff in the Office of the City Clerk can administer this oath(ThirdFloor,CityHall,50ChurchStreet).

Oncecompleted,thevotingproxymaybeexercisedatanyadvancevotinglocationoronVotingDay.OnVotingDaytheproxymustbeexercisedatthepollofthepersonforwhomtheproxyisvoting.Theappointmentofaproxymayonlybemadeafter2p.m.onNominationDay,Friday, July27,2018,anddoesnotremaininforceafterElectionDay–Monday,Oct.22,2018.

4.2 Voting Locations Advancepolllocationsareselectedfortheirhighly-accessibleattributesandareoftenmoreaccessiblethanthebuildingsthatmaybeusedwithinvariousWardboundariesasvotinglocations.AsitemapofalladvancevotingandvotingdaylocationsisavailableontheCity’selectionwebsiteatwww.stcatharines.ca/election

4.3 Transit to the Voting Location Proximityofthevotinglocationtoaccessiblepublictransitrouteswasconsideredinselectionofvotinglocations,however,thelocationmaynotnecessarilybelocatedonthesamestreetasthetransit stop.

4.4 Parking DesignatedorreservedparkingforpeoplewithdisabilitieswhodisplayavalidOntarioAccessibleParkingPermit(APP)istobeprovidedclosetotheentranceoftheVotingLocationwherepossible.Accessibleparkingspaceswillbeclearlyposted,andmarkedwiththeinternationalSymbolofAccessibility.Theusualparkinglimitsofthreehoursforpeoplewithdisabilitieswillbeincreasedwherepossible.Barrierfreepathsoftravelbetweenparkingandthevotinglocationentranceshould be provided.

4.5 Service Animals, Support Persons, Assistive Devices Electorswithadisabilitywhouseserviceanimals,supportpersonsorassistivedevicesarepermitted to be accompanied by their service animal or support person at all voting locations. It isimportanttonote,however,thatadvancedpolllocationsareselectedfortheirhighlyaccessibleattributesandareoftenmoreidealthanolderbuildingsthatmayneedtobeusedwithinvariousWardboundariesasvotinglocationsonElectionDay.


4.6 Entrance to the Voting Location EveryefforthasbeenmadetouseonlyaccessiblefacilitiesforVotingLocations.IfhoweverthemainentrancetotheVotingLocationisinaccessibleduetostepsorotherbarriers,analternativeentrypointthatisaccessiblewillbeclearlysigned.Whereverpossibletheaccessibleentranceistobeusedasthemainentranceforeveryone.AllentranceswillbeclearlymarkedandanyalternativeaccessibleentranceswillbeclearlysignedusingtheInternationalSymbolofAccessibility.

4.7 Interior Voting Area Access to the interior voting area and voting booth shall be level and easily accessed. All voting areasaretobewelllitandhaveseatingavailable.

4.8 Accessible Voting Booths VotingboothsthatareeasilyaccessiblewillbeavailableateachVotingLocation.Votingboothswillhaveawiderareaofaccesstoallowindividualswhouseamobilitydevicetovoteindependentlyand secretively. A large print Notice of Ballot example shall be displayed in close proximity to the votingbooth.Magnifyingsheets,orreadingglassesareavailableuponrequestfromtheDeputyReturning Officer (DRO) to any individual.

4.9.1 Advance Polls Only – Accessible Voting Technologies TheadvancepollsbeingheldatCityHallwillbeequippedwithaballotmarkingdeviceforvoterswithdisabilities.TheBallotMarkerDeviceproducesahumanandmachinereadablemarkedpaperballotfromablanksheetofpaper,completelyindistinguishablefromapaperballotmarkedbyhand.Thevoterisprovidedwithheadphonestolistentotheballotpresentation(orreferstoaninstructioncard)andusesanaccessiblevotingcontroller,withbraillelabelsandbuttonsofdifferentcoloursandshapesforvoterswithvisualimpairments,tocontrolthevotingsessionandselectvotes.Thecontrollercanalsobeoperatedbyassistivedevicessuchassipandpuff,and/orfootpaddles can be used to press selection buttons.

Whenavoterwishestousetheaccessiblevotingfeature,thepollworkerwillescortthevoterbehindtheprivacyscreennearthetabulatorequippedwiththeballotmarkingdevice.Thepollworkerthenofferstoinsertablanksheetofballotpaperintotheprinterslotofthedeviceandprovidesthevoterwiththeheadphonesandthecontroller.

Thevoterlistenstotheaudioballotandusesthecontrollertoadjustvolume,speedoftheaudiopresentation,movebetweencontestsandmaketheirvotingselections.Theaudiopresentationwillconfirmvotesselectedforvoterverification.Whenthevoterhasmadeandconfirmedalltheirvoteselectionstheyusethehandheldcontrollertoprinttheiractualpaperballot.Theprinterdevicewillautomaticallyprocesstheblanksheetofpaper,printingthefullballotonthesheetcompletewiththe vote markings as selected by a voter.

The printed ballot is indistinguishable from a ballot marked by hand because the unit has a library ofrandomhandmademarkingimageswhichitprintsontotheballot,sothattheprintedmarkingslookjustlikemarksmadebyhandwithapen.Thisfeatureensuresthatifthepaperballotsarelaterreviewedbyelectionofficials,theywillnotbeabletodeterminewhichballotsweremadebytheBallotMarkerDevice,therebymaintainingvoterprivacy.


ThepaperballotprintedbytheBallotMarkerDevicewillemergefromtheunithiddenunderacoveringandwillbeplacedinasecrecyfolder.Thevoter,orpollworkerifrequestedbythevoter,willtheninserttheballotintothescannercomponentofthetabulator.Thescannercanbeconfiguredtoperformasecondindependentreviewoftheballot,byinterpretingthevotemarkings and playing them back over the headphones for voter confirmation.

ThisallowsthevotertoensurethatthepaperballotgeneratedbytheBallotMarkerDeviceiscorrectlymarkedwiththevotestheyselected.Thevotercanusethecontrollertocasttheballotorreturnforfurtherreview.

Whileanaccessiblevotingsessionisinprocess,thetabulatorcansimultaneouslyprocesspaperballotsinsertedbyothervoters,allowingthesingletabulatortohandlebothvotingchannelsandmaintaintheflowofvoters.

4.9.2 Attributes of Advance Poll LocationsAdvancepolllocationsareselectedfirstandforemost,basedonaccessibilityforvoters.Thesesiteshaveanumberofaccessibleattributesincluding,butnotlimitedto:

• roomsizethatincludesconsiderationofeaseofabilitytomanoeuvremobilitydevicesandprovide appropriate space for support persons and service animals

• roomlocationthatiseasilyaccessedonthemainfloorofthefacilityorbyelevator

• adequatelightingbothinsideandoutside

• entranceshavearamporareongradeandthedoorshavepowerdooroperators

• accessibleparkingandcurbramps

• barrier-freewashroomsonsite

• locatedonapublictransitroute

4.9.3 Election Day Accessible Voting Technologies are only available on advance polling dates at the City of St.Catharines,Atrium,ThirdFloor,weekdays9a.m.to4p.m.fromMonday,October1,2018 toFriday,October19,2018.

4.10 Voting Assistance PersonswithadisabilitymaybeaccompaniedbyasupportpersonwithintheVotingLocation.Inaddition,theDeputyReturningOfficer(DRO)ineachVotingLocationcanassistthevoterincasting their vote.

Priortoenteringthevotingbooth,theDeputyReturningOfficershall,inconjunctionwiththepersonwithadisability,determinetheextenttowhichtheywantassistanceandthebestwayinwhichthisassistancecanbeprovided.Thismayincludeactuallymarkingtheballotasdirectedbythepersonwithadisability.

WhereaVotingLocationislocatedinaninstitutionorretirementhome,theDeputyReturningOfficer can visit voters in their specific living areas or at their bedside to assist them to vote. All DeputyReturningOfficersaresworntoanoathofsecrecy.


5. Additional Information

5.1 City of St. Catharines – Office of the City Clerk TheOfficeoftheCityClerkislocatedatCityHallontheThirdFloor,50ChurchStreet, St.Catharines.TheOfficeoftheCityClerk’selectionstaffcanansweranyquestionsyoumayhaveaboutrunningforoffice,theelectioningeneralorspecificprovisionsforpersonswithadisability.SeeSection2.4foradditionalcontactinformation.Also,youcanlearnmoreabouttheCity’s Corporate Accessibility Policy online or request an alternative format.

5.2 City of St. Catharines - Election Website TheCityofSt.Catharines’Websiteiscontinuouslyupdatedtoreflectthemostrecentdevelopmentsandinformationregardingtheelection.Visitthesiteforanup-to-datelistofimportant messages and events throughout the election year at www.stcatharines.ca/election

5.3 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing - Election Website Thiswebsitewww.mah.gov.on.cacontainsinformationaboutmunicipalelections,theProvinceofOntario2018MunicipalElectionsCandidatesGuideandtheMinistry’scommitmenttopromotegreateraccessibilityforvotersandcandidateswithadisability.

5.4 Ministry of Community and Social Services The Ministry of Community and Social Services provides information on accessibility and accessibilitylegislation.Formoreinformationvisit:www.ontario.ca/page/accessibility-laws

5.5 Service Ontario – e-Laws ThiswebsitecontainsallcurrentstatutesincludingtheMunicipalElectionsAct,theOntarianswithDisabilitiesAct,andtheAccessibilityforOntarianswithDisabilitiesAct.Pleasevisit: www.ontario.ca/laws

Advance Polls and Election Day Therewillbeeight(8)advancepolls;locationsandtimesarepostedontheCity'swebsiteatwww.stcatharines.ca/election.

Theadvancepolllocationsareaccessibletopeoplewithadisability,however,theaccessiblevotingballotmarkerdevicewillbeexclusivelyavailableatCityHall,duringdatesnotedbelow.Everyefforthasbeenmadetouseonlyaccessiblefacilitiesforallvotinglocationshowevertheadvancepollshavebeenselectedfortheiraccessibleattributesthatprovideamorebarrier-freeopportunity to vote.

VoterswithadisabilityareencouragedtovoteattheadvancepollatCityHall,Atrium,ThirdFloor,50ChurchStreet,Monday,October1,2018toFriday,October19,2018,daily,9a.m.to4p.m.,asthelocationwasselectedforitshighlyaccessibleattributes,andislocatedonapublictransitroute.

Election Day is Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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