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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO 24-10 ;::itq Report To A Council PICKERING Report Number: CAO 24-10 Date: December 13, 2010 35 From: Debbie Shields City Clerk Subject: 2010 Municipal Election - Report on Accessibility - File: A-2000 Recommendation: 1. That Report CAO 24-10 of the City Clerk be received for information. Executive Summary: The City Clerk is responsible for conducting the municipal election and establishing policies and practices to ensure that all electors have the opportunity to participate. As per section 12.1 (2) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, within 90 days after voting day in a regular election, the City Clerk shall submit a report to Council about the identification, removal and prevention of barriers that affect electors and candidates with disabilities. Financial Implications: There are no financial implications. Sustainability Implications: There are no sustainability implications. Background: The Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended by Bill 212, now requires that every municipality, within 90 days after voting day in a regular election, submit a report to Council about the identification, removal and prevention of barriers that affect electors and candidates with disabilities. Please see below for a listing of initiatives that were undertaken by the City of Pickering to deliver an accessible election. Initiative Actions Outreach to groups knowledgeable in Reviewed various agency websites and accessibility to obtain feedback on reports (i.e. CNIB), including a ,review of plans area municipality accessibility plans. Report CAO 24-10 December 13, 2010 Subject: 2010 Municipal Elections -Accessibility Report Page. 2 36 Received approval from the Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee on Accessible Election Procedures on April 28, 2010. Ensure all voting locations are Site inspections were conducted for all accessible to electors with disabilities voting locations, which included an accessibility checklist for election staff to determine: - barrier free paths of travel from the parking lot to the entrance; - barrier free parking; - door operators or accessible doors; - adequate lighting; - the availability of accessible washrooms; - access to the facility via public transit; and - a voting area with adequate space for a wheelchair or scooter. All locations were found to be accessible and if not, specific modifications were completed. Voters could also be accompanied by a support person, service animal or obtain assistance from Election Officials in casting their vote. Prominent signage at each voting location to ensure that all electors can clearly see where to go and vote. Magnifying sheets were available at each voting location to assist those electors with low vision. Provide voting opportunities in Voting locations were established at the institutions and retirement homes following facilities to allow eligible residents the opportunity to vote; CORP0227-07/01 revised Report CAO 24-10 December 13, 2010 Subject: 2010 Municipal Elections -Accessibility Report Page 3 any institution in which 20 or more beds are occupied by persons who are disabled, chronically ill or infirmed; and a retirement home in which 50 or more beds are occupied. In the City of Pickering, these institutions were; - Village Retirement Centre; - Abbeylawn Manor; and - Bay Ridges Long Term Care Centre. Accessible voting technologies During the four days of the Advance Vote, the "ImageCast Precinct Ballot Marking Device Light" was made available for voters. This unit services both voters and accessible voters (voters who cannot mark a paper ballot with a pen and require assistance to mark a ballot). This machine includes the ATI (Audio- Tactile Interface), a set of headphones, a Sip and Puff Input Interface, and a Paddle Button Input Interface, which can assist a variety of persons with disabilities. This device was also available, upon request, on election day. In the case where an elector with a disability was unable to attend a voting place, he or she could appoint a voting proxy to vote on their behalf. CORP0227-07/01 revised Report CAO 24-10 December 13, 2010 Subject: 2010 Municipal Elections -Accessibility Report Page 4 38 Advertising Advertisements to encourage individuals with accessible needs to come out to the advance voting were posted in the Pickering News Advertiser on September 29th and October 6th and 13th Accessibility measures were identified on each Voter Notification Card, which was mailed to all eligible residents. The City's On Hold messaging for the phone system contained a message in October advising eligible voters of available accessible voting technology. Notice of temporary disruption of services procedures were in place, in the event that a polling location became unavailable during either the advance vote or on election day. Alternate formats Election information to be made available in accessible formats, if requested. Candidates The City Clerk's Office provided Candidates with information on how to make their campaign more accessible. Candidate meetings were all held at accessible venues. Training In accordance with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Regulation, Regulation 429/07, all Election Officials received accessible customer service training. This training encompassed a review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and provided an overview of the City's policies and procedures. CORP0227-07/01 revised Report CAO 24-10 December 13, 2010 Subject: 2010 Municipal Elections -Accessibility Report Page 5 Feedback Election Officials were asked to review the polling location on election day to ensure accessibility (i.e. no items blocking entrances or pathways). A survey was sent to election officials post-election, that enquired about any accessibility issues at the voting place. Feedback will be incorporated into the 2014 election. The City Clerk continues to welcome feedback to identify areas where accessibility amendments need to be considered, and ways in which the City can improve the delivery of an accessible election. Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By: cx Lisa Harker, MPA Debbie Shields Coordinator, Records & Elections City Clerk Approved/Endorsed By: Tony Prevedel, P.Eng. Chief Administrative Officer DS:lh Copy: Chief Administrative Officer Recommended for the consideration of Picked ity Co ncil p~liU~• 2~, 2010 Ton revedel, P.Eng. Chief Administrative Officer CORP0227-07/01 revised