Elections Accessibility

Internet voting will be available during the advance voting period.

Internet voting provides a convenient and accessible option by allowing eligible voters to cast their ballot securely from any location with an internet connection. This helps reduce barriers related to mobility, travel, or scheduling.

The internet voting system is designed to be user‑friendly and compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies, allowing voters to navigate the process independently and with confidence.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at all in-person voting locations. 

Assistance in marking the ballot

If you find it difficult to vote using a paper ballot, you may bring a support person, such as a friend or relative, to help you mark your ballot. If you do not bring someone with you, an election official can assist you. Elections officials are trained to assist in a neutral, confidential manner.

If you bring a support person:

• They must take an oath confirming they will mark the ballot exactly as you instruct.
• They may accompany you throughout the voting place, including behind the voting screen.

Elections officials can also read the ballot aloud, guide your hand, or provide other assistance as required.

If you are unable to vote in person or use internet voting, you may appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf.

To appoint a proxy, you must complete the required proxy forms naming the individual who will act for you. The proxy must present these forms at the voting location before receiving a ballot. A proxy may vote for one person only, unless they are voting for close family members.

Email election@haldimandcounty.ca to set up an in-person appointment with the Municipal Clerk or a designate to appoint a proxy.

Electors who are physically unable to enter a voting place may request curbside voting.

Elections officials will bring the necessary voting materials to your vehicle or another accessible location on site. They will verify your eligibility and provide the ballot securely and confidentially. Once you have marked your ballot, it will be returned to the ballot box inside the voting location to be counted with all other ballots.  

Under the Municipal Elections Act, the Municipal Clerk must develop policies and procedures for each of the municipal elections to ensure all voters and candidates, including those with disabilities, can fully participate. 

The Clerk must also ensure that voting locations are accessible and prepare a public plan outlining how barriers will be identified, removed, and prevented. 

Our accessibility plan for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections is currently being reviewed. It will be posted here once it's finalized in consultation with the Accessibility Advisory Committee.

After the elections, the Municipal Clerk will meet with the Accessibility Coordinator and the Accessibility Advisory Committee to review the election's accessibility. This review will identify any barriers experienced by voters, candidates, or elections workers with disabilities, and explore opportunities for improvement.

A post-elections report will be prepared for Council. This report will describe how barriers were identified, removed, or prevented during the elections, and will highlight recommendations to improve accessibility in future elections.