TORONTO, September 5, 2003 — Revising Agents from Elections Ontario start knocking on doors this weekend to update the province’s Voters Lists, in preparation for the October 2 provincial election. Ontario’s Chief Election Officer says that the Permanent Register of Electors for Ontario allows revision efforts for this election to be more efficiently focused in target areas.
“Our ongoing maintenance of the Permanent Register means that, instead of enumerating everyone before an election, we conduct targeted revision exercises during the election period, “says John Hollins. “Our Revising Agents visit where it is typically most needed and effective – in areas of high mobility like apartments and new housing developments.”
Revising Agents will be carrying identification from Elections Ontario and asking questions that verify voter eligibility.
Elections Ontario has maintained the Permanent Register since changes to the Election Act in 1999.
Elector information is maintained on an ongoing basis for election purposes only, in part through secure information updates from a variety of sources including vital statistics, driver’s licenses, and notification of new Canadian citizens. Following an election call, the information contained in the Register is converted into Voters Lists for each of the 103 electoral districts in the province.
‘Notice of Registration’ cards are mailed to electors before election day to confirm they are on the Voters List and provide the poll location where they will vote. Individuals who are qualified to vote – who are at least 18 years of age on election day, Canadian citizens and resident in Ontario – and who have NOT received a Notice of Registration card by September 20 should contact their local returning office to select from a convenient range of options for adding their name to the Voters List.
Returning office locations and phone numbers may be obtained from the Elections Ontario website at www.electionsontario.on.ca or by calling Elections Ontario at 1-888-ONTVOTE (1-888-668-8683).
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About Elections Ontario
Elections Ontario is the non-partisan agency responsible for administering provincial elections, by-elections and referenda. Ontario general elections are governed by the Election Act and the Election Finances Act. The Returning Officer in each of the 103 electoral districts is appointed by Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor in Council and follows the direction of the Chief Election Officer who is an officer of the Legislative Assembly. For more information on Elections Ontario and the Register, visit www.electionsontario.on.ca.
Media Contacts:
Elections Ontario Media Centre:
416.212.6186 / 1.866.252.2152
media@electionsontario.on.ca