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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCD-81-82 CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK TELEPHONE 623-3379 40 TEMPERANCE STREET BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO y, L1 C 3A6 REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 1982. CD-81-82 - Our File: 10.50.& SUBJECT: POST ELECTION REVIEW 1982 MUNICIPAL ELECTION RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. That this report be received for information. BACKGROUND & COMMENT: The 1982 Municipal Election is now history,and generally, the procedures and election activities worked well . This election was subject to some special circumstances including: (a) Amendment to the Municipal Election Act 1977 , establishing a three year term; (b) A Returning Officer in that capacity for the first time; (c) A significant number of first-time election staff. Evaluation of the Election Process In order to evaluate and improve the election process for future elections , letters were mailed to all D.R.O. 's and Poll Clerks , inviting them to comment upon the 1982 election procedures. While all of the persons circulated have not responded, a number of suggestions have been made which will be taken into consideration and where practicable, implemented in 1985. They include the following: (a) The introduction of the use of a "Composite Ballot" which might reduce the volume of paper handled on election day, and reduce waiting time on the part of electors casting ballots ; Continued . . . . . /2 �� CD-81-82 - 2 - December 13, 1982 (b) The issuing of "Clerk's Certificates" by the Clerk's Department to electors whose names do not appear on the voter's list; (c) Seminars/training sessions for D.R.O. 's and Poll Clerks that go into greater detail regarding the election process ; (d) Imprinting of "Voter Notification Cards" with the words "Please take this card with you to the Poll " : - Many people did not take their cards to the polling station and this resulted in delays and slowed down the issuing of ballots ; (e) An increase in advertising directed to the electorate, encouraging them to examine the preliminary list and make certain they are correctly listed, in particular with respect to school support designation, as this cannot be changed at the poll ; (f) Review of the polling subdivisions and where applicable, adjustment of the polling boundaries. This will result in an increase in the number of polls and a corresponding increase in the number of election staff required for the next election ; (g) Re-examination of the fee structure and establishment of a more realistic rate of pay for D.R.O. 's and Poll Clerks , having regard for the number of hours they must work. Problem areas identified following the 1980 election were addressed and where possible, resolved. This included the establishing of an additional poll in the Enniskillen area, and the distribution of a greater number of voting screens throughout the polling stations in the municipality. Voter turnout was 47.97%; an increase of 1% over the 1980 election . 11 ,465 electors cast ballots in 1982, as compared to 11 ,033 in 1980. Election Expenses I am pleased to advise Council , that the Election costs were within budget. The 1982 Election budget was established at $30,962. 16. Actual Expenditures Were: $26,962. 16 Unexpended $ 3,292.84 Continued . . . . . /3 CD-81-82 - 3 - December 13, 1982 CONCLUSION: Actions to be taken prior to next election : 1. Review the polling subdivisions , alter as necessary in 1984, and examine the possibility of developing a street index to assist electors and election staff in locating names on the voters' lists. 2. Prior to the next election evaluate the advantages of using a composite ballot format (January 1985) . 3. Establish a fee scale for D.R.O. 's and Poll Clerks that realistically reflects the value of their contribution to the election process (1985 election budget). In summary, this department is satisfied with the level of success which was achieved in the 1982 election. It is the hope, that greater efficiencies can be achieved and implemented for the 1985 election. Respectfully submitted, David W. Oakes, A.M.C.T. Town Clerk. aw /ms December 1, 1982.