How To: Vote in Waterloo Municipal Elections

by Apathy is Boring — October 6, 2010

Fellow Waterlooites - duty is calling. There's a municipal election on October 25th. This is your chance to make your voice heard. Is it your first time? Don't be nervous. Just follow this step-by-step guide and cast your ballot like a pro.

Can I vote in the 2010 Waterloo 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 Waterloo, 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:

• Visit the City Clerk’s office (100 Regina Street South) to check if your name is on the list. Just remember to bring ID if you want to have your name added.
• 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?

A person must now present identification that shows their name, signature and Waterloo address upon arriving at their voting place. You can present the required identification in two ways:

• The first is having a single piece of ID showing your name, signature and Waterloo address (where you currently live or own property).
• The second way is having two pieces of ID; one showing your name and signature and the second showing your name and Waterloo 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).

Students who live on-campus can vote in the Concourse at Wilfrid Laurier University or the Student Life Centre at the University of Waterloo.

If you work, you must have three consecutive hours off while the polls are open (between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. 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 advance polling days before the election. Voting at an advance poll is just like voting on election day - you just get to cast your ballot earlier. Advance polls will be held in the following locations:

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. First you need to get a proxy certificate from the City Clerk's office and fill it out. Next, your proxy has to take the certificate, along with your ID (or a photocopy) and their ID, to the City Clerk's office. The clerk's office accepts applications during regular weekday hours from September 13 until 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 assistance on voting day?

Most municipalities have services available for those with accessibility issues. Contact the City Clerks Office to learn more about the services offered by the city of Waterloo to voters with accessibility issues.

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