Hamilton residents given more ways to vote in 2022 election after 38% turnout in 2018

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Published June 21, 2022 at 2:44 pm

Hamilton residents given more ways to vote in 2022 election after 38% turnout in 2018
As Hamilton looks to increase democratic participation, particularly among younger residents, access to voting has been increased and barriers have been reduced.

As the City of Hamilton looks to increase democratic participation, particularly among younger residents, access to voting has been increased and barriers have been reduced ahead of the 2022 municipal election on Oct. 24.

The city has been looking to improve upon the 38 per cent voter turnout in 2018 by adding additional options this year.

Hamilton residents will be able to vote by mail after the option was approved by city council. Electors can register to receive a ballot package between Sept. 1 and 23. Completed ballots can then be submitted in person at a designated drop box mailed via Canada Post.

Ballot on demand is also new this year. McMaster University, Mohawk College, and Redeemer University will allow voters to cast their ballot on campus, regardless of their ward on Oct. 18, 2022.

There will also be advanced voting days on Oct. 7, 8, 14, and 15.

“All eligible voters should feel empowered to use their voice and head to the polls to cast their vote this October,” said city clerk Andrea Holland. “We are committed to increasing civic engagement across the community and are exploring as many opportunities as possible to break down barriers to make voting easy, make the voting experience as accessible as possible, and create an environment where all those who are eligible to vote, can vote.”

Residents can now visit voterlookup.ca to check if they are on the voter list. If not, voters can add themselves until Sept. 1.

The city says there will be 157 polling stations across all 15 wards, which will include at least one accessible location and tablet reader in each.

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