How To: Vote in Ottawa Municipal Elections

by Apathy is Boring — October 6, 2010

Can I vote in the 2010 Ottawa municipal election?

In order to vote in the municipal election, you must:

• be a Canadian citizen;
• be at least 18 years old by Election Day (October 25);
• reside in Ottawa, own or rent land there, or be the spouse of such an owner or tenant;
• be on the official voters list.

What if I’m not on the voters list?

If you moved recently or are eligible to vote first time, you may not be on the voters list. But don’t worry - getting on the list is quick and easy. There are two ways to get your name added to it:

• Fill out in an application. You can call 311, or stop by either the Elections Office in city hall or a Client Service Centre, to get an Application to Add or Amend the Voters List form.
• Register when you go to vote. Show up to your voting place with your ID and you can be added to the voters list at your polling station.

What do I need to bring with me?

You will need ID that proves your name, signature, and current Ottawa address to vote. You can do that in one of two ways:

• The first is having a single piece of ID showing all three items.
• The second way is having two pieces of ID: one with your name and signature, and the other with your name and Ottawa address.

You can find the full list of acceptable pieces of ID here. Basically, any government ID and most official mail is ok.

Where is my polling station? And when is it open?

You should receive a card by mail that gives you the address of your advance polling station as well as the address of your polling station for Election Day. You can also find the address of your polling station here. Polling stations are open from 10 am to 8 pm on election day (Monday, October 25).

If you work, you must have three consecutive hours off while the polls are open (between 10 am and 8 pm on Election Day). Your employer only has to give you enough time off to give you three clear hours while the polls are open. If the polling station is open three hours before or after you work, they are not required to give you additional time off. Employees scheduled to work must be paid for the time off for voting.

What if I can't make it to a polling station on voting day?

If you can't make it to the polls on election day, there are several other ways to cast your ballot. You can vote during the advance polling period before the election. Voting at an advance poll is just like voting at on election day - you just get to cast your ballot earlier. Advance polls are open on October 2 (10 am to 5 pm) and October 14 (10 am to 8 pm).

If you can’t make it out on either election day or the advance polling days, you can appoint a proxy voter to cast a ballot for you. Your proxy has to be an eligible elector in the city where you plan to vote. You can only appoint one proxy. Also, you can only serve as a proxy for one person, unless the person you're voting for is an immediate family member (sibling, spouse, parent, or grandparent).

Your proxy voter needs to be certified before they can vote for you. They will need to get a proxy certificate by going to either the Elections Office in City Hall or any Client Service Centre, filling out a form and providing some ID. Proxy applications are accepted during regular business hours until 5pm Monday, October 25 (Election Day). Proxy applications are also accepted from 12 pm to 5 pm on advance polling weekends.

Can I vote if I'm Homeless?

If you're homeless or don't have a permanent address, you can still vote. The district you vote in will be the place where you most frequently returned to sleep or eat during the five weeks before the election. (If you went to different places to sleep and eat, the place where you sleep takes priority.)

What if I need additional help at the polling station?

Voters in Ottawa can use Voter Assist Terminals (VATs) to help them mark a ballot if they have visual, hearing, or motor impairments. You can learn more about the VAT and where it will be available here.

If you need any more information about the election or how to vote, check out the City of Ottawa website.