Burlington Council Receives 2022 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan

Burlington City Council received the 2022 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan from staff at our July 12 meeting.You can read the staff report and through the plan here:

• Staff Report: CL-29-22 2022 Election Accessibility Plan
• Appendix: CL-29-22 Appendix A 2022 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan

The 2022 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan (Appendix A) provides an overview of initiatives for the upcoming election, aimed at improving accessibility for voters and candidates during an election. The main objective of the plan is to identify and eliminate barriers for persons with disabilities to ensure that the election is accessible for all.The plan covers key areas such as consultation, voting locations, voting methods, communication and access to information, and recruitment and training.Within 90 days after voting day, the City Clerk will prepare a report about the identification, removal and prevention or barriers that affect electors and candidates with disabilities. The report will examine the effectiveness of accessibility initiatives proposed in this plan.Voting LocationsThe City of Burlington will have a total of 27 in-person voting locations. This number includes three advance poll locations and 24 Voting Day locations. Site inspections were conducted for all proposed voting locations prior to finalizing the list of voting locations. For any locations with accessibility concerns, remediation plans will be put into place to address any issues prior to Voting Day.Voting MethodsCity of Burlington will provide electors with various methods to cast their vote including online voting, in-person advance polls, proxy voting and in-person accessible voting locations on Voting Day, including polls in institutions such as long-term care and retirement homes. Online voting will take place over a 10-day period from Oct. 11 to Oct. 20, 2022. In-person advance polls will take place in 3 locations across the City on Oct. 15 and Oct 18. Voting Day is on Oct. 24 and electors will be able to cast their ballot in any location in their Ward.Communication and Access to InformationThe Elections Team will ensure that election information is available online in clear and simple language and that it is continuously updated to reflect the most recent developments and information. Election information will be provided in alternate formats upon request and information about voting options will be clearly communicated toelectors and candidates.Recruitment and TrainingAll election workers will receive training to ensure they are able to provide accessible customer service and are well equipped to assist all electors. Accessibility training will be a mandatory component of election training, and election workers will gain an understanding about the services and accommodations available to assist all electors.Election workers will also be provided with an opportunity to indicate any accommodations they may require to work on advance poll or Voting Day to ensure an inclusive experience.MY TAKE:

When we fix accessibility for some, we do it for all. I’m glad consultation was done with our Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee in putting together this plan. This is a great piece of work from staff.