REMINDER:

*** Nomination Deadline September 10, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. ***

What is new for the 2010 Municipal Election?


What is City Council?


What is a School Board?


2010 Municipal and School Board Election References


Offices to be Elected


List of Candidates


Candidate Information and Forms


Candidate Qualifications


Disqualifications of a Candidate


School Board Candidate Qualification


Nomination Process


Important Notices (Candidates)


Important Dates


Election Results


Inaugural Council Meeting


Voters' List


Voter Information Letter


Voter Identification


Qualifications of an Elector


Persons Prohibited from Voting


Important Notices (Voters)


Voter Help Centre


Voting Period


Special Needs Voters


Nursing Home, Retirement Homes and Continuing Care Voting


2010 Voting Method - E Voting - Internet and Telephone


Intelivote


Election Employment


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - FAQ

• Voting for the 2010 Municipal Election will be by E-Voting – by Internet or Telephone access.



• You can vote using the internet on a computer or laptop, or by telephone, or cell phone, anytime, 24 hours a day, from anywhere in North America during the Voting Period from Monday, October 18, 2010 starting at 10:00 a.m. up to Monday, October 25, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.  No more long line-ups, going out in bad weather, or finding a ride to vote.  It is at your convenience when you vote…whether it is at home, your friend’s, at your cottage, at the Public Library, at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, at work, the gym, 6:00 p.m. or 2:00 a.m., it doesn’t matter, it’s your choice when and where.  

 
• If you don’t have computer access, don’t worry, a Voter Help Centre will be located at the Stratford Rotary Complex, 353 McCarthy Road West October 22nd to October 25th.  Election Staff will be there to answer questions and to assist electors that require assistance.

 
• A Voter Information Letter will be mailed to each elector on the Voters’ List in mid-October containing instructions and pin number.

 
• A Call Centre will be available from October 18th to October 25th to answer any questions you may have. Check the City’s website www.city.stratford.on.ca and the Stratford Town Crier for current information on Call Centre hours of operation.

 
• Please note that if an elector is not on the Voters’ List, Voter Identification is required when applying to be added to the Voters’ List.

City Council is Stratford’s decision-making body and is comprised of an elected Mayor and 10 Councillors. The Mayor, also referred to as Head of Council, and all Councillors are elected city-wide.

The elected Council represents the public and considers the well-being and interests of Stratford on a range of matters, such as clean water, streets, fire protection, housing, sewers, parks, transit, public library services, waste collection and recycling programmes, recreation activities and sports programmes.

Council develops and determines which services the municipality provides and carries out the duties of Council under the Municipal Act and other provincial legislation, including the Planning Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.

What is the role of Council? (s. 224 of the Municipal Act, 2001)

• to represent the public and to consider the well-being and interests of the municipality;
• to develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the municipality;
• to determine which services the municipality provides;
• to ensure that administrative policies, practices and procedures and controllership policies, practices and procedures are in place to implement the decision of Council;
• to ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality; including the activities of the senior management of the municipality;
• to maintain the financial integrity of the municipality; and
• to carry out the duties of council under this or any other Act.

• to act as chief executive officer of the municipality;
• to preside over council meetings so that its business can be carried out efficiently and effectively;
• to provide leadership to the council;
• without limiting clause (c), to provide information and recommendations to the council with respect to the role of council described in clauses 224 (d) and (d.1);
• to represent the municipality at official functions; and
• to carry out the duties of the head of council under this or any other Act.

• Attending Municipal functions;
• Sits on Standing Committees of Council;
• Appointed to City Advisory Committees and Boards

A School Board operates the province’s publicly-funded schools. Elected trustees make up a School Board. The number of Trustees on a board is based on the population in the Board’s area of jurisdiction. For more information about School Boards, check out the Education Act.

Trustees are elected for 4-year terms commencing December 1, 2010 and ending November 30, 2014. The School Board elections are held at the same time as the Mayor and City Council elects are held.

There are 4 School Boards that have jurisdiction in Stratford. Voters may vote for only the School Board trustee(s) as determined by their eligibility. It is important electors qualified to vote in a school board district election check their status on the Voters’ List to determine whether or not they have been listed as an elector for the correct school board. If not correctly listed, an elector can apply to the City Clerk to amend the Voters’ List prior to voting.

The 4 options for school support are:

1. English-language Public
2. English-language Separate (must be Roman Catholic. The spouse of a Roman Catholic is not eligible)
3. French-language Public (must be a French-language rights holder under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This does not include French-immersion)
4. French-language Separate (must be Roman Catholic and a French-language rights holder under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This does not include French immersion).

• is a member of the Board;
• is the community’s advocate for public education;
• is responsible for establishing policy direction;
• participates in making decisions that benefit the whole board while representing the interests of the constituents.

• Education Act
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Election Information
• Municipal Act, 2001
• Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
• Code of Conduct

At this election, members will be elected for 4-year terms commencing December 1, 2010 and ending November 30, 2014 for the following offices:

Stratford City Council:

• Mayor (1)
• Councillors (10)

• Avon Maitland District School Board - 2
• Huron Perth District Catholic School Board - 1
• Conseil scolaire de district du Centre-Sud-Ouest [French language public district school board] - 1
• Conseil scolaire de district des écoles catholiques de Sud-Ouest [French language separate district school board] - 1

• List of Candidates - Unofficial

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing produces the 2010 Municipal Elections Guide for candidates.   The Guide is prepared for information purposes only. Reference should always be made to the relevant legislation and regulations.

• Ministry Guide
• Candidate's Guide to Accessible Elections
• Financial Statement – Auditor’s Report (Question on the Ballot) Form 8
• État financier – Rapport du vérificateur (Question sur le bulletin de vote) Formule 8

• Supplementary Information Guide (to be provided)

• January 4 to September 9, 2010 - between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, or,
• Nomination Day - September 10, 2010 between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm

• $100 - Councillor or School Board Trustee
• $200 - Mayor

Method of Payment is by cash, debit, certified cheque or money order.  No personal cheques.

Please Note: Forms 4 and 8 have been revised in case anyone has printed off copies of previous forms.

To be a qualified candidate, a person must be:

• a Canadian citizen,
• at least 18 years old,
• a resident of Stratford, or the owner or tenant of land in Stratford, or spouse of such owner or tenant.

The following persons are disqualified from holding municipal office:

• an employee of Stratford or local board is only entitled to run for office on Council or local board that he/she works for if the employee takes an unpaid leave of absence beginning the day the employee is nominated and resigns if elected to the office;
• a judge of any court, a member of the Legislative Assembly or the Senate or the House of Commons;
• a provincial employee, as excluded by the Public Service Act, a crown employee as defined in that Act.2001,c.25,s258(1);
• an inmate of a penal or correctional institute under sentence of imprisonment;
• one who ceases to be a Canadian Citizen;
• one who is not a resident, the owner or tenant of land or the spouse of an owner or tenant of land in the municipality;
• one who is prohibited from voting in an election according to the Elections Act, Municipal Act or Education Act;
• one who has violated financial requirements for filing financial information in the previous election.

School Board Candidates should confirm that they have the qualifications described in section 219 of the Education Act.   Questions may be directed to the appropriate School Board Office.

• Obtain Nomination Papers from the City Clerk
• Nomination Papers may be filed in person by the candidate or by an agent
• Nomination Papers cannot be faxed or emailed.   Either the candidate or the agent must bring the completed and signed Nomination Papers to the City Clerk's Office.  Candidates and agents will be required to show proof of identity.
• The prescribed nomination filing fee must be paid at the time of filing Nomination Papers (cash, debit, certified cheque or money order.   No personal cheques.)
• A Candidate is entitled to a refund of the filing fee if he/she:
• is elected:
• receives at least 2% of the votes cast for the office; or
• withdraws the nomination after nomination day.

2010 Election Notices - Candidate Registration and Nominations

• Notice of Nominations for Office
• Nomination Packages are now available at City Hall and may be filed beginning January 4, 2010

• Official Election Results - to be posted when available

The Inaugural Council meeting for Stratford City Council will be held on Monday, December 6, 2010.
Elected members must take the Oath of Office prior to taking their seats.

The Voters’ List is available at the following locations after September 7, 2010:

• Stratford Public Library Reference Desk – St. Andrews Street, Stratford
• Kiwanis Community Centre – 111 Lakeside Drive, Stratford
• City Clerk’s Office, Ground Floor of City Hall – 1 Wellington Street, Stratford

Check the Voters’ List to make sure the information including school support is correct.  If the information is incorrect, you can fill out an Application to Amend the Voters’ List and submit it to the City Clerk during office hours.

If your name is not on the Voters’ List, you can fill out an Application to Amend the Voters’ List available in the City Clerk’s Office.  In addition, you will need to provide Voter Identification that is proof of your identity and residence showing your name, qualifying address and signature. 

Applications for amendments and additions to the Voters’ List will be accepted by the City Clerk after September 7, 2010 and ending at 8:00 p.m. on October 25, 2010.  Electors are encouraged to submit completed Application Forms prior to October 25, 2010, where possible.

The Municipal Elections Act, 1996 as amended, prohibits the posting of the Voters’ List in a public place without proper control and supervision, and the use of the Voters’ List for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited.

Each elector on the Voters’ List will receive a Voter Information Letter in a sealed envelope by first class mail that will contain a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Eligible electors are required to either access a designated internet address or telephone a designated telephone number to cast their vote using their PIN.

To vote in the 2010 Municipal and School Board Elections, you will need to make sure that your name is on the Voters’ List.

If your name is on the Voters’ List, you will receive a Voter Information Letter in the mail prior to Election Day – October 25, 2010.

If your name is not on the Voters’ List, you will need to have your name added by presenting the required Voter Identification at the City Clerk’s Office or at a Voting Location.

Please refer to the list below for forms of identification that will be accepted when applying to be added to the Voters’ List or to change your information.

Proof of identity and residence
Each of the following options is prescribed as the proof of identify and residence that a person may present for the purposes of subparagraph 52 (1) 1 ii of the Municipal Elections Act:

1. Option 1: An original copy of a document listed in Schedule 1 to this Regulation, if the document shows the person’s name, qualifying address and signature.
   


2. Option 2: An original copy of a document listed in Schedule 2, if the document shows the person’s name and signature, presented together with an original copy of a document listed in Schedule 3, if the document shows the person’s name and qualifying address.

1. An Ontario driver’s licence.
2. An Ontario Health Card (photo card).
3. An Ontario motor vehicle permit (plate portion).
4. A cancelled personalized cheque.
5. A mortgage, lease or rental agreement.
6. An insurance policy.
7. A loan or financial agreement with a financial institution.
8. A document issued or certified by a court in Ontario.
9. Any other document from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government.
10. Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada).

1. An Ontario driver’s licence.
2. An Ontario Health Card.
3. An Ontario motor vehicle permit (plate portion).
4. A Canadian passport.
5. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.
6. A Certificate of Indian Status.
7. A Veterans Affairs Canada Health Card.
8. A social insurance number card.
9. An Old Age Security Card.
10. A credit card.
11. A debit card.
12. An employee identification card.
13. A student identification card issued by a post-secondary institution.
14. A union identification card or a professional licence card.
15. A cancelled personalized cheque.
16. A mortgage, lease or rental agreement for property in Ontario.
17. An insurance policy.
18. A document issued or certified by a court in Ontario.
19. Any other document from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government.
20. Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada).

1. An Ontario motor vehicle permit (vehicle portion).
2. An income tax assessment notice.
3. A Child Tax Benefit Statement.
4. A Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E.
5. A Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS).
6. A Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P).
7. A Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions.
8. A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Works.
9. A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program.
10. A Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007.
11. A property tax assessment.
12. An insurance statement.
13. A mortgage, lease or rental statement for property in Ontario.
14. A credit card, bank account, RRSP, RRIF, RHOSP or T5 statement.
15. A CNIB Card or a card from another registered charitable organization which provides services to persons with disabilities.
16. A hospital card or record.
17. A document showing campus residence issued by the office or officials responsible for student residence at a post-secondary institution.
18. A utility bill for hydro, water, gas, telephone or cable TV or a bill from a public utilities commission.
19. A cheque stub, T4 statement or pay receipt issued by an employer.
20. A transcript or report card from a post-secondary school.
21. A document issued or certified by a court in Ontario.
22. Any other document from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government.
23. Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada).

Generally, any individual who, on Voting Day, is:

• a Resident, or
• Owner or Tenant, or Spouse of such Owner or Tenant,

• a Canadian Citizen
• at least 18 years
• Not otherwise prohibited from Voting

The following are prohibited from voting:

• a person serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institution;
• a corporation;
• a person acting as executor or trustee or in any other representative capacity, except as a voting proxy in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act;
• a person convicted of a corrupt practice under the Municipal Elections Act, if voting day in the current election is less than 4 years after voting day in the election in respect of which he/she was convicted.

• Make sure your name is included on the 2010 Voters' List

Beginning Friday, October 22, 2010 to Monday, October 25, 2010, a Voter Help Centre will be located at the Stratford Rotary Complex, 353 McCarthy Road for any eligible elector in Stratford who wishes to use computers for Internet Voting. Election Staff will be there to answer questions and to assist electors. Check the City’s web site for dates and times at www.city.stratford.on.ca or call 519-271-0250 ext. 237.

“Vote by Internet or Telephone” will take place 24 hours a day beginning Monday, October 18th – 10:00 a.m. up to and including “Election Day” Monday, October 25, 2010 ending at 8:00 p.m.

E-Voting enables voters with disabilities, to vote with little or no assistance from others. Blind voters can make use of the telephone voting; deaf voters can use the Internet to vote; voters with disabilities with mobility can use either the telephone or Internet without having to leave their home to do so.

Election staff will be on-site at each of the Nursing Homes and Continuing Care locations listed to answer questions or provide assistance on certain dates during the week of October 18th to October 25th.  Residents will be advised of the dates and times as the information becomes available.  These locations include the following:

• Anne Hathaway Retirement Residence
• Cedarcroft Place
• People Care Stratford
• Windmill Gardens
• Spruce Lodge
• Woodland Towers 1, 2 and 3
• Greenwood Court
• Continuing Care Unit at Stratford General Hospital
• Hamlet Estates

• Information to be provided - ( tbd )

• Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Election