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A letter to election officials from a group of municipal election candidates regarding voting difficulties expressed by local seniors has spurred the City of North Bay to take steps to address the issues.
See: Letter: New election methods a barrier to some seniors
The letter highlights how, according to the candidates, "during recent campaign efforts, specifically door-knocking, many seniors have expressed to us that they find themselves in a difficult position. The reduced number of polling stations and the addition of online voting are acting as a barrier to them in this election. Add to this a growing number of COVID cases, many will have to pass on voting."
Tuesday, the City responded, saying it appreciates the input from North Bay municipal election candidates and will be offering fare-free transit on Election Day to help address concerns and to make it easier for voters to get to the polls.
Additionally, with seniors in mind, special polls are held on Election Day in accordance with Municipal Elections Act (for residents only) at Cassellholme Home for the Aged, Barclay House, Marina Point and Empire Living Centre. Waters’ Edge and the North Bay Regional Health Centre have both indicated they will be making staff available during this election to assist residents and patients with online voting. Voter assistance is also available in person at City Hall, by phone at 705-474-0400 or by email at [email protected].
According to the City, its goal has been to remove barriers to voting for all North Bay electors during the 2022 Municipal Election by providing options such as online and advanced voting. To date, nearly 4,000 ballots have been cast online for a total vote count so far of 5,590, including the advance polls.
The City has introduced five Super Polls for the 2022 Municipal Election that are strategically located throughout all areas of the city at which any eligible elector will be able to cast their ballot on Election Day.
Anyone lacking transportation on Election Day will be able to ride a City bus for free in order to get to one of the polls. Additionally, computers will be available for online voting in the Lobby at City Hall from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
