Clarification gained over voters’ list questions in advance of October 26 election
With municipal election day coming next Monday, council members sought clarification on what voters could do in case they did not receive a voter card.
Councillor Peter Courtney said in speaking with family members during the Thanksgiving weekend, some had yet to receive their voter information cards. He said he checked into it for clarification and wanted to ensure they could vote Oct. 26.
Courtney asked if a voter chooses to vote right on election day, Oct. 26, with their photo ID that has an Amherstburg address on it, a driver’s license being used as the example, could they vote if they are on the town’s voter registry.
Clerk Kevin Fox said that anyone who is at least 18-years-old, is a Canadian citizen and resident, owner, spouse or tenant or the spouse of an owner of a tenant, in the Town of Amherstburg would be able to vote unless they are disqualified by law.
“If they bring a valid piece of identification, even if they don’t appear on the voters’ list, they would be added to the voters’ list at the election site,” said Fox. “They would be able to cast their vote.”
Courtney followed up with questions on how they are registered to the list, with Fox stating there is a live data site with security provisions. He said they couldn’t go to multiple locations to try and vote again as that would be election fraud.
Acceptable forms of identification that can be used are a driver’s license or health card, or another form with the person’s address and photo. He said assistance would be provided to help a person be able to vote.
Councillor Molly Allaire noted that people who own property in Amherstburg are allowed to vote, but wondered if the only piece of identification for that address is a form through the mail and their driver’s license shows an out-of-town address.
Fox said in that case, a “number of pieces” of identification such as tax bills or utility bills could be utilized, and students could use transcripts. The election worker would have to be satisfied that the piece is sufficient, so photo identification is still recommended.
Clarification gained over voters’ list questions in advance of October 26 election
By Ron Giofu
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