Information on accessible services for the upcoming municipal election
Assistance dogs are everywhere. We see them helping people navigate the ins and outs of daily life every day – at work and school, in stores, and on the street. According to Service Dogs Canada, there are over 55,000 service dogs lending their paws nation-wide to help empower people of all abilities in living their best lives possible.
August 7th marks the first day of the International Assistance Dog Week. Elections Markham recognizes and celebrates the incredible difference that service animals make in supporting our community and changing lives for the better.
With the 2022 Markham Municipal Election right around the corner, now is the perfect time to let our voters know about all the steps we’re taking to provide barrier-free access and support an independent, inclusive experience for everyone.
Here are a just few of the accessible services that Elections Markham is proud to offer during all Voting Days to help voters cast their ballots independently and with total privacy.
Online Voting
Voters can vote online anywhere, anytime between October 14 to 24 using their own computer, tablet, or smartphone and the information in their Voter Information Letter. Whether you’re at home, at work, at school, on a transit trip, or on vacation, you’ll have 250 continuous hours to cast your ballot in this election. It’s quick, easy, and the most accessible way to vote!
Magnifiers
For people who want to vote in-person, magnifying sheets and assistive technology are available at all of our Voting Places with a large and high contrast ballot font option for voters with low vision.
Audio ballot navigation
Our accessible ballot marking machines offer an audio option that makes voting easy. Voters can listen to their list of candidates through headphones, control the vocal volume and tempo using a tactile keypad, and have their selections repeated back to them before their ballot is marked and cast.
Braille, paddles, and sip & puff
If anyone has trouble holding a pen, our assistive voting technology supports a variety of alternate ballot marking devices including touchscreens, braille keypads, paddle buttons, and sip & puff straws.
Information in multiple languages
Elections Markham is committed to delivering services that support our City as one of Canada's most diverse communities. That's why when you visit our website or go to any of our Voting Places, key voter information will be available in multiple languages with our staff there to help every step of the way.
If you need help casting your ballot, ask an election worker or bring someone you know.
Service animals
Last but not least, all service animals are welcome at all of our Voting Places. Happy International Assistance Dogs Week!
For more information about our commitment to accessibility, visit our Accessible Voting Options page at ElectionsMarkham.ca.