Hamilton residents can vote by mail in the Oct. 24 municipal election

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Published August 31, 2022 at 2:13 pm

vote by mail
Photo by Phillip Jeffrey

Those looking to vote from the comfort of home can choose a vote by mail option this year in Hamilton but people should apply soon.

Hamilton City Council approved voting by mail as an alternative voting method for 2022.

But eligible voters who wish to vote by mail must be on the voters’ list and complete an application online or by phone. People can get a ballot package between Sept. 1 to 22, the City of Hamilton said in a press release. Eligible voters not on the voters’ list should submit an Application to Amend the Voters List to the Hamilton city clerk.

The Vote by Mail Ballot packages include a voting instruction sheet, ballot, inner ballot secrecy envelope, voter declaration form and outer return envelope with prepaid postage.

Completed Vote by Mail packages must be received by election day — Oct. 24. Packages can be mailed in via Canada Post or submitted in person at a designed vote by mail drop box located at City Hall and the City’s five Municipal Service Centre locations.

Return envelopes come with prepaid postage, so no stamp is required.

“Voting by mail is a secure, efficient and inclusive way to ensure eligible voters in Hamilton have the opportunity to cast their ballot,” said Andrea Holland, Hamilton city clerk.

“It can save voters time and reduce potential barriers voters may face related to accessing transportation, weather, scheduling work and potentially long lines at polling stations. We are committed to increasing civic engagement across the community; Vote by Mail is one of the many ways we hope to make voting as easy and accessible as possible.”

Additional ways to vote include:

  • Ballot on Demand at McMaster University, Mohawk College and Redeemer University eligible students/voters can vote on campus regardless of their ward on Oct. 18, 2022.
  • Advance voting days, providing voters with many opportunities to visit a polling station and cast their vote early on Oct. 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2022.
  • Election day with 157 polling stations across all 15 wards, which includes at least one accessible location and tablet reader in each ward.

There are 82 council hopefuls across 15 wards in Hamilton, with nine candidates running for mayor.

Visit hamilton.ca/elections for further information.

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