HomeMy WebLinkAboutCLD-020-18Clarftwn
Clerk's
Report
If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility
Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131.
Report To:-RLGeneral Government DG3ODLDGHYHORSPHW Committee
Date of Meeting: December 10, 2018
JC-040-18,JC-041-18,JC-073-19,JC-074-19,
Report Number: CLD -020-18 Resolution: JC -075-19, JC -076-19
File Number: By-law Number:
Report Subject: 2018 Municipal Elections Accessibility Report
Recommendations:
1. That Report CLD -020-18 be received for information;
2. That a copy of Report CLD -020-18 be placed on the municipal website; and
3. That a copy of Report CLD -020-18 be forwarded to Elections Ontario, Elections
Canada, and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Municipality of Clarington Page 2
Report CLD -020-18
Report Overview
This report is intended to provide information for Council regarding Clarington's 2018
Municipal Elections, specifically as it pertains to initiatives that were incorporated into the
electoral process to provide greater accessibility and inclusivity for Clarington electors.
1. Background
In the fall of 2017, Council received Report CLD -020-17, which outlined Clarington's 2018
Municipal Elections accessibility plan in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act,
1996 (MEA). The following is an excerpt from the MEA:
12.1 (1) A clerk who is responsible for conducting an election shall have
regard to the needs of electors and candidates with disabilities.
12.1 (2) The clerk shall prepare a plan regarding the identification,
removal and prevention of barriers that affect electors and candidates with
disabilities and shall make the plan available to the public before voting
day in a regular election.
12.1 (3) Within 90 days after voting day in a regular election, the clerk
shall prepare a report about the identification, removal and prevention of
barriers that affect electors and candidates with disabilities and shall make
the report available to the public.
The Act also empowers the Clerk to make changes to some, or all, ballots, as she
considers necessary or desirable, to allow electors with visual impairments to vote.
Additionally, the Act states that the Clerk shall ensure that each voting location is
accessible to electors with disabilities.
Staff provide the following report as information only, in accordance with the MEA.
Based on 2018 electoral data, there were 65,373 eligible electors in the Municipality of
Clarington. There were also 476 eligible electors over the age of 90. According to
Statistics Canada, there are approximately 16.6% of Canadians over the age of 15 who
have some sort of disability. Therefore, we estimated that 10,851 eligible electors are
limited in their abilities, whether it be vision, hearing, mobility, speech, mental health, or
learning.
Clarington's 2018 Municipal Elections were conducted in a similar manner to the 2014
Municipal Elections in that there were voting locations and traditional paper ballots, which
were counted through the use of vote tabulators.
Municipality of Clarington Page 3
Report CLD -020-18
2. Election
To ensure dignity, integration, independence, and fairness, and provide an equal
opportunity for all of our Clarington electors, the Clerk's Department undertook several
initiatives during the 2018 Clarington Municipal Elections. Attachment 1 details these
initiatives. You will note that they are very similar to the initiatives reported on following
the 2014 Municipal Elections, with the addition of a few new ones.
The 2018 main initiatives are highlighted below:
x All voting locations were physically accessible.
x The Municipal Clerk met with school board officials to address barriers related to
utilizing schools as voting places, including parking.
x Electronic audio/tactile voting assistive devices were provided during all five of our
advance voting days.
x Clarington's election website www.clarington.net/election was fully accessible and
included a "Browse Aloud" feature.
x Election Official mandatory training included Accessible Customer Service content.
x Electors, who are physically incapacitated, or are away from the area on Voting
Day, or who are working as an Election Official, had the opportunity to use the
Special Mail -In Ballot method to vote. The Special Mail -in Ballot method allowed
eligible voters to mark their ballot at home and mail, or deliver, the ballot to the
Clerk's Department.
x An approach to communications, website, etc. that makes election information
more accessible for all voters. This included a new video that showed electors
How to Vote in Clarington's Municipal Election.
The Clerk's Department will continue to learn, develop and adjust our approaches to
meet the needs of electors with disabilities.
3. Concurrence
Not Applicable
Municipality of Clarington Page 4
Report CLD -020-18
4. Conclusion
We are confident that the accessibility initiatives undertaken by the Clerk's Department
for Clarington's 2018 Municipal Elections met and exceeded the needs within our
community. Staff will continue to monitor the technologies and processes of conducting
elections and will continue to receive feedback from our electors, to ensure that our 2022
Municipal Election process will ensure dignity, integration, independence, and fairness,
and provide an equal opportunity for all of Clarington's electors.
Submitted by: Reviewed by:
fin. Gr entree, B.A., CMO, Andrew C. Allison, B. Comm, LL.B
nVG4rentree, B.A., CMO,
Municipal Clerk CAO
Staff Contact: Andrea Nicholson, Accessibility Coordinator (Temporary), 905-623-3379
extension 2131 or anicholson@clarington.net
Attachments:
Attachment 1 —Accessibility Initiatives Details
The following is a list of the interested parties to be notified of Council's decision.
Stephane Perrault, Chief Electoral Officer, Elections Canada
Greg Essensa, Chief Electoral Officer, Elections Ontario
Diane Ploss, Municipal Advisor, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Accessibility Initiatives Details
Identification of Barriers
Staff took the following actions to identify barriers that affect electors and candidates
with disabilities:
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
1.
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Committee appreciated the
reviewed and provided input on
opportunity to review the 2018
our election accessibility
Clarington Elections Accessibility Plan
initiatives.
and endorsed the Plan as presented.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
2.
Updated and used an
The checklist proved useful as a guide
accessibility checklist for election
to ensure all features of the location
staff to use when conducting site
were inspected.
visits of each voting location.
This information was maintained
Information was entered into election
in our electronic elections
management software, for ease of use.
management software. The
checklist documented the
One school location, without the
accessibility of parking, paths of
permission from the Municipal Clerk,
travel, lighting, entranceway,
chose an alternate entrance for voting
ramps, elevators, public transit
area access (e.g. school gymnasium
and visibility of facility name and
entrance) to avoid electors meandering
address. The Municipal Clerk
through the school hallways. This
met with school board officials to
change in entrance, however,
address barriers within schools
compromised the accessibility of the
being used as voting locations.
entrance to electors. This deficiently
was rectified partway through voting
day, when the barrier -free main
entrance of the school became the
voting location entrance. Would
consider taking similar action in 2022
with some modifications of the form, or
utilizing a more robust ranking system.
Would consider appealing to the School
Boards again to schedule a PA day for
Voting Day as was done in the Durham
and York Region Boards.
Page 1 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
number
2022
3.
Assessed voting processes and
It is challenging to envision the needs
procedures to ensure they met
of all electors, however general
the needs of the electorate.
feedback regarding barriers from
Clarington residents, Clarington's
Accessibility Advisory Committee and
Clarington's Accessibility Coordinator
informed the 2018 voting processes
and procedures.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
4.
Communicated with staff from
It was valuable to share knowledge and
various municipalities throughout
experience.
Ontario and other parts of
Canada to seek input on barriers
Would consider taking similar action in
they have identified.
2022.
5.
Sought input from Clarington's
The input provided greater insight into
Accessibility Coordinator.
existing barriers, measures to remove
barriers and accommodations for
electors, candidates and election
officials (especially in preparation of
election worker training program).
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
6.
Sought input from the CNIB and
The input provided greater insight
other organizations, where
regarding the barriers to voting and the
applicable, on how to decrease
needs of individuals with different types
barriers to voting.
of disabilities and strategies to improve
access.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
Page 2 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Removal and Prevention of Barriers
Staff took the following actions to remove and prevent barriers that affect electors and
candidates with disabilities.
Communications and Information
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
1.
Ensured communication
All election forms and materials were
initiatives and information for
created in accessible formats.
candidates and electors were
available in alternate formats
Each candidate was provided with a
(hardcopy, website, videos,
hardcopy of the candidate information
emailed files, where applicable)
package. Additionally these materials
free of charge.
were also posted on the website and
offered in electronic format.
Correspondence containing voters' lists
and advanced voting participation were
provided to candidates in an electronic
format.
Consideration will be given to continue to
move towards more electronic
communications (perhaps a candidate
portal) in 2022 to minimize costs and
expedite delivery.
Page 3 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
2.
Posted all election information to
The 2018 VotesMatter(ab_Clarington.net
Municipality's website:
website design was updated and
VotesMatter(a�Clarington.net.
enabled electors and candidates of all
The website is compliant with
abilities to access election information.
the World Wide Web Consortium
Online tools including Voter Registration,
(W3C) Level AA World Content
°°Am I on the List?", and "Where do I
Accessible Guidelines (WCAG)
Vote?" were offered, reducing wait times
2.0 and contains a free web
at the voting place. Electors could also
page reader to assist individuals
check online to find their voting place
who have difficulty reading
location. This tool provided the voting
online (i.e. Browse Aloud). This
place address and included a map
level of website accessibility
feature, which enabled electors to
incorporates tools and design
visually locate their voting place.
elements to ensure accessibility.
For example, text alternatives for
This was this first time the online voter
any non -text content was
registration was provided by Clarington.
provided so that the content
Usage Statistics for the Online Tools:
could be converted into other
forms that people may need
x Am I on the List? = 2094
(e.g. audio format).
x Voter Registrations = 554
x Where do I Vote? = 3572
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
Page 4 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
3.
Accessible elections information
Statistics indicate that, during the period
was posted on the website in
between September 1, 2018 and
clear simple language, including,
October 31, 2018, our election site had
but not limited to, the following
100,500 page views. This is an increase
information:
of over 120% from the same period in
2014.
x Voting process
x Voting locations
Of the 100,500 page views, 25,700 were
x Transit information
for the display page where election
x Parking
results were posted.
x Special Voting Locations
Would consider taking similar action in
x Voting Tools
2022'
x Proxy Voting
x Special Mail -in Ballots
x Special Voting Locations at
Long Term Care Facilities
x Personal Assistance
x Distribution of election
information in alternative
formats
x Disruption of services
x Feedback
x Accessible Elections Policies
and Procedures
x Election Results
Page 5 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
4.
Provided a copy of and links to a
The guide provided important
"Candidates Guide to Accessible
information to ensure that candidates
Elections", produced jointly by
were aware of accessibility legislation
the Association of Municipal
and that candidates take measures to
Managers, Clerks and
insure that:
Treasurers of Ontario and the
Province.
x campaign information is provided in
accessible formats,
x customer service practices take
different disabilities into
consideration,
x people with disabilities can access
campaign offices, and
x candidates are aware of the barriers
faced by people with disabilities.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
5.
Solicited feedback on
The Accessibility Feedback Form was
accessibility initiatives through
available online and provided at all
our elections web page and by
voting locations. The form was designed
way of manual form at each of
to allow the elector to evaluate whether
the voting locations, utilizing the
their accessibility needs were met and
"Municipal Elections Accessibility
whether they faced any barriers
Feedback Form."
accessing the voting area.
We received minimal response (3
responses) however it is still felt that this
is a valuable communication tool. Only
one of the forms referenced an
accessibility issue.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
Page 6 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
number
2022
6..
Provided "Customer Service
Although feedback was minimal (3
Feedback Forms" at all voting
responses), and none of the responses
locations. For electors, the form
reported accessibility issues, it is critical
allowed for the identifications of
that we promote feedback from our
any elector concern, and an area
electors.
to specify if the concern was
accessibility related. For
Would consider taking similar action in
election officials, the form
2022•
allowed for documentation of
any action taken to address the
elector's concern.
7.
Ensured that note pads and
Election officials utilized note pads and
pens were available at all voting
pens as communication tools.
locations to assist in
communicating with electors
Would consider taking similar action in
who are deaf, deafened, or hard
2022.
of hearing.
8.
Publicized the following
Although we did not receive any
communication channels so that
accessibility concerns via the contact
any elector with election
information that was publicized, it is still
accessibility concerns could
felt that it is valuable action as it provides
readily contact the Municipal
an additional option for electors of all
Clerk's Department Staff:
abilities to provide feedback.
Phone: 905-623-3379 ext. 8683
Would consider taking similar action in
(VOTE)
2022
Email:
mailto:ClaringtonMunicipalElecti
on ,clarington.net (which is an
email monitored by more than
one staff member)
Page 7 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
9.
Followed the Canadian National
Each voting location was supplied with a
Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
variety of signs. Signs met the CNIB
clear print guidelines and
clear print guidelines and signage
signage guidelines for signs and
guidelines.
other print materials. This
Feedback from elections officials
included posting signs and
confirmed the appropriateness and
materials at eye level and
usefulness of the signs.
without obstructions (e.g. tables)
to allow the person to get closer
Would consider taking similar action in
or use a magnifier.
2022•
10.
Voter Notification Cards (VNC)
Voter Notification Cards (VNC) were
were sent to each household
created in an accessible format and
where there was an eligible
distributed to each household.
elector listed on the voters' list.
Would consider taking similar action in
In addition to other election-
2022
related information, such as the
date and time of the election, the
VNC informed electors that all
voting locations will be
accessible as well informing
them that assistive devices will
be available at the advanced
voting opportunities.
Page 8 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
11.
In the event there were
There were no disruptions to service or
disruptions to service or
unforeseen circumstance that affected
unforeseen circumstances that
the accessibility of voting during the
affect the accessibility of voting
2018 elections, therefore, there were no
locations during the advance
notices posted or media advisories
vote or on voting day, notices of
issued regarding disruptions.
disruption, including information
regarding the nature of service,
It is important that a plan is in place to
the reason, the expected length
notify electors should a disruption occur,
of disruption, and alternatives,
therefore we would consider taking
would have been posted in real
similar action in 2022.
time:
x On the Municipality's website
x On Facebook
x On Twitter
x At the site of the disruption
x At the Municipal
Administration Centre located
at 40 Temperance Street,
Bowmanville
Where applicable, a media
advisory would have been
issued.
12.
All presentations (e.g.
One voting location was used for training
PowerPoint presentations) were
election officials. Training presentations
in conformity with the
met Clarington's Presentation
Municipality of Clarington's
Guidelines.
Presentation Guidelines.
It was noted that projection screens at
the training location were small for the
size of the room.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022 and if the same location is used,
create presentations using a larger text
size.
Page 9 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Voting Locations
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
1.
Voting place supervisors were
In response to findings of our initial
provided a list of location -specific
voting place inspections, a list of special
instructions to improve
instructions was created for each
accessibility of the location.
location requiring any special set-up.
This list was supplied to the election
officials to ensure the needs were
addressed on voting day.
While built accessible features are
important, location and proximity to the
electors is also important. That said,
however, financial constraints of school
boards and local hall boards create
challenges when trying to address built
deficiencies such as ramps, power -
assisted door operators, door openings,
etc.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022
Page 10 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
2.
Election officials conducted
One election official at each voting
continuous hourly accessibility
place was assigned the responsibility of
inspections. The inspections
ensuring the initial set-up of the voting
were documented on the
location met our customer service
"Continuous Accessibility Audit
standards. In addition, the assigned
Form". The form documented the
election official conducted hourly
facility exterior (accessible
inspections throughout the voting
parking, barrier -free path of
location to ensure the location remained
travel), facility entrance (ramp
free from barriers. The inspections
safety, door access), pathway
were documented on the Continuous
from entrance to voting area
Accessibility Audit Form along with any
(path width, surface, rest areas,
deficiencies and actions taken to
obstructions), equipment
address any deficiencies.
(marking tools, raised table), and
campaign literature (exterior, path
The task was easily executed and only
of travel, voting area and
a few barriers were noted, which were
compartment free from campaign
remedied on site.
materials).
One election official noted that the
design of the ramp at one voting place
entrance made it difficult for electors to
independently open the door while
using the ramp.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
Page 11 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
3.
Table lifts were utilized at each
To accommodate the needs of any
voting location to accommodate
electors using larger wheelchairs,
the needs of any elector utilizing
scooters, and other mobility devices,
a scooter, wheelchair or other
wooden/ABS pipe lifts were provided
mobility device.
and deployed in each voting location to
provide a raised work table. This
accommodation was easy, relatively
inexpensive, and well used by many
electors. Many electors without mobility
devices also chose to vote at the raised
table, where it was easier to vote in a
standing position.
The ABS pipe lifts were favorable for
tables with legs that had a 90° bend
approximately 15 cm from the floor,
while the wooden lifts were favorable to
for tables with legs with a greater angle
and bend further from the floor.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022 and, where possible, note the
table type upon inspection to ensure the
most appropriate lifts are supplied for
each voting location. Consideration will
be given to improving the usability of
the ABS pipe lifts.
4.
Provided appropriate signage at
Each voting location was supplied with
voting locations.
a variety of signs to direct electors to
the voting place and voting area. Signs
were posted at the roadside, front
entrance, along hallways, and inside the
voting area. Where required, additional
signs were provided.
Feedback from election officials
confirmed the appropriateness and
usefulness of the signs although some
indicated that additional signage would
be useful.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
Page 12 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
5.
Ensured a minimum of two
Each voting location had a minimum of
designated or reserved parking
two designated accessible parking
spaces were available at each
spaces. In some voting locations,
voting location for persons with
existing accessible parking was located
disabilities.
near a main building entrance (e.g.
school main entrance), however, an
alternate entrance was chosen for
voting area access (e.g. school
gymnasium entrance when the voting
area was in the gymnasium) to
minimize walking distances through the
school hallways. Therefore, where
possible, accessible parking spaces
were designated with temporary
signage and located nearest to the
election entrance to ensure the shortest
path of travel from the accessible
parking spaces to the voting area.
In some school locations, the number of
standard parking spaces was not
adequate throughout voting day. As a
result, some electors had to park on the
street, which increased the walking
distance to the voting place entrance.
Election officials at one voting place
noted that, for electors that are elderly
or have physical disabilities,
improvements could be made to
minimize the distance between the
voting place entrance and the voting
area. This particular location will be
reviewed for 2022 in light of this
comment.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
Page 13 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
6.
Provided a sufficient number of
To minimize the distance travelled by
voting locations throughout the
electors to attend their respective voting
Municipality on voting day and
location, 33 voting locations were
during the advance voting period
designated throughout the Municipality.
to limit travel distances.
Despite these accommodations, there
were a few electors who expressed
concerns that they were not voting at
their "usual" voting location. For clarity,
their "usual" would most likely have
been the location that they voted at
during the Provincial Election that was
held earlier in the year.
During the advance voting period (being
5 days), four voting locations were
designated centrally throughout the four
wards. Electors from any ward could
vote at any advance voting location. In
2018, 2804 electors voted during
advance voting which is slightly lower
than 2866 electors in 2014. The voting
location in Ward 3 received the fewest
number of electors during advance
voting.
Would consider maintaining the number
of regular voting locations for the
advance voting in 2022. The number of
advance voting locations will be
reviewed for the 2022 election.
7.
Where possible, voting locations
Where possible, voting locations were
were selected to provide easy
selected to ensure easy access public
access to public transportation.
transit stops.
Given the geographic landscape of
Clarington, public transportation is not a
viable option in many of the more rural
areas. No feedback was received
regarding use of public transportation to
travel to the voting location.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
Page 14 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
8.
The access doors were checked
An election official (Greeter) was
frequently be election officials to
assigned to work at each voting location
offer assistance to electors and,
to greet electors and provide any
where the entrance to the voting
assistance to electors upon entering the
location was not within the
voting place. Where the voting place
immediate vicinity of the voting
entry doors did not have a power -
location, additional election
assisted door operator, or where the
officials were assigned to the
entrance to the voting place was not
doors to provide assistance.
within the immediate vicinity of the
voting area, additional election officials
were assigned to them. These
additional officials opened the doors for
the electors and provided assistance
(verbal or otherwise) to all electors to
ensure easy access to, and within, the
voting place.
Due to the large volume of voters, at
particular times, during advance voting,
we will be considering adding an
additional Election Official to act as a
greeter in 2022.
One location reported that "Accessibility
needs to be improved. The middle bar
of the door was removed so that
mobility aids could enter but then it was
left with a tripping hazard which a pylon
was put there to warn but it too was a
tripping hazard." This particular location
will be reviewed for 2022 in light of this
comment.
Page 15 of 22
Action
number
9.
fits]
11
Action
Any person with a disability
accompanied by a support
person or service animal was
welcome to enter any voting
location with his or her support
person or service animal,
including the voting compartment
areas.
Ensured that there was adequate
lighting, especially in the voting
compartment areas.
When selecting voting locations,
staff strove to have a seamless
process from curb to ballot for
voters, with a particular emphasis
on the process for voters with a
visual or mobility impairment.
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
Many electors with disabilities utilized
support persons and service animals to
access the voting area. Where an
elector required assistance from a
support person to mark the ballot, the
election official administered the Oral
Oath of Secrecy to the support person.
Election officials also acted as support
persons and provided assistance to
electors, when requested by the elector.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
Adequate lighting is important for
electors with vision loss. Portable lights
were used, where needed, to increase
lighting levels.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
Staff considered many factors, including
distance from curb to ballot, an easy to
navigate barrier -free path of travel, a
place for adequate signage and ease of
navigation within the Voting Area.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
Page 16 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Voting
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
1.
A Special Mail -in Ballot option
38 electors requested a Special Mail -in
was made available — where the
Ballot; 3 were denied due to lack of
elector can request a mail -in
eligibility.
ballot package.
29 electors voted using the Special Mail -
in Ballot
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
2.
Provided an accessible assistive
One advance voting location, on each of
voting device (audio/tactile
the five advance voting days, was
interface device) at all five
supplied with an assistive voting device.
advance voting days, at one
The device enables an elector with visual,
advanced voting location on
mobility and/or dexterity limitations to
each of the five advance voting
independently cast a ballot through an
days.
audio/tactile interface.
Election officials were thoroughly trained
on the accessible assistive voting device
(hands-on) and were prepared to provide
the elector with the necessary instructions
to utilize the equipment.
While the availability of the equipment
was advertised through our election
website, the local newspapers and
notices mailed to every household, we did
not have any electors who took
advantage of the assistive voting
equipment.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022 as it provides electors with
disabilities the opportunity for
independent voting.
Page 17 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
number
2022
3.
Provided a "vote anywhere in
To accommodate the needs and
the Municipality" option on
schedules of our electors, a "vote
advance voting days.
anywhere" option was available in that
our electors were eligible to vote at any of
the 11 advance voting opportunities
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
4.
In accordance with the
166 voters voted at these special voting
requirements of the Municipal
locations.
Elections Act, we provided
(reduced hours) on-site voting
We also extended the opportunity to vote
for the residents of:
at the Seasons Retirement Community to
the owners of units within the Seasons
x Whitecliffe Terrace
condominiums, who share some facilities.
Retirement Residence
x Glen Hill Marnwood
Would consider taking similar action in
x Fosterbrooke Long -Term
2022•
Care Facility
x Glen Hill Strathaven
x Seasons Clarington
Retirement Community
x Lakeridge Health
Bowmanville
x Bowmanville Creek
Retirement Community
5.
In cases where an elector is
Proxy voting was available to all eligible
unable to attend a voting
electors. This method involves the voter
location, the elector was
appointing another eligible voter to "vote
permitted to appoint another
by proxy" at the voting location. Thirteen
person to act on their behalf (i.e.
eligible voters applied to use this method.
proxy voting).
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
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Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
number
2022
6.
Provided magnifying sheets and
Magnifying sheets and large print images
large print images of ballots at
of ballots were used at all voting
all voting locations.
locations. One elector's family member
reported appreciation for the magnifying
sheets as the elector was able to vote
independently when using the
combination of the large print image of
the ballot and the magnifying sheet
together.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
7.
Provided a variety of marking
Would consider taking similar action in
tools (e.g. wide grip markers,
2022.
narrow grip markers, pens, etc.)
at all voting locations on voting
day and on advanced voting
days.
8.
Use, as practicable, a tactile
We explored this possibility extensively
ballot template to assist voters
and had hoped that we could use it at
with vision loss in marking the
least for advanced voting, however in the
ballot.
end, this became impractical to execute
for the 2018 elections due to budgetary
constraints.
We did, however, provide electors with
vision loss access to an audio -tactile
interface assistive voting device at
advance voting opportunities. This
offered an option for independent voting
We will revisit the possibility of using
tactile templates in 2022.
Page 19 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
9.
Ballot font size was a minimum
To further improve the accessibility of the
of 12 point font and font style
ballots, in addition to font size and style,
was sans serif, in conformance
we updated ballots to improve colour
with accessible guidelines.
contrast and adjusted line spacing to
assist with ease of reading within the
parameters of the tabulator technology.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
Page 20 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Staff Training & Assistance
Action
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
number
2022
1.
Staff training incorporated
In accordance with Ontario Regulation
provisions to meet accessible
191/11 Integrated Accessibility
customer service standards.
Standards Regulation, Customer
Service Standards, all election officials
Provided all election officials with
received training regarding interaction
accessible customer service
with electors of all abilities. Training
training. Ensured that staff were
also included information on the
aware of the assistive devices in
assistive tools and devices available to
their supply packages and how to
assist electors with the voting process
use them. Training included the
and instruction on the proper use of
proper use of accessibility tools
such tools and devices.
available for electors to use to
assist with the voting process.
This training was provided via online
training videos which incorporated text,
video, narration and closed captions,
allowing election officials of all abilities
to access the self -paced training.
Customer Service strategies were
reinforced during the in-person training
sessions that followed.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
2.
Election officials will be provided
Each Election official was provided with
with written reference materials.
a role -specific handbook which
included information on accessible
customer service.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
3.
Election officials were available
Election officials were trained to assist
to assist voters, as required.
voters, as required, and act as a
support person, when requested by the
elector.
Would consider taking similar action in
2022.
4.
The Municipality of Clarington
In order to be more inclusive of the
recognizes that everyone learns
learning needs of election officials,
differently. In order to provide
Clarington introduced new online
Page 21 of 22
Attachment 1
Report CLD -020-18
Action
number
Action
Details / Key Learnings / Vision for
2022
training via different methods,
training videos. The online training
training videos were created by
videos included brief on-screen
the Accessibility Coordinator for
information, detailed narration, and
election officials with different
closed captions to accommodate a
learning styles (e.g. visual
variety of learners and people with
learners) and with various
disabilities. Election officials could
disabilities (e.g. learning
watch the training videos as often as
disability). In addition, written
they needed. We reinforced the
information was provided during
content contained within the training
the in-person group training
videos during the in-person group
sessions. The group training
sessions and hands-on training.
session provided hands-on
training
Would consider taking similar action in
2022 with consideration for a more
robust tracking system and/or quizzing
for the online training videos.
5.
A comprehensive post-election
225 out of 332 election workers
survey was created to solicit
responded to the survey.
feedback from election officials
on all aspects of their experience,
Feedback will be considered when
including, overall satisfaction, the
preparing for the 2022 elections.
application process, training,
voting location, supply pickup
Would consider taking similar action in
and drop off, what went well and
2022
areas for improvement.
Page 22 of 22