TORONTO — April 19, 2004 — Revising Agents from Elections Ontario start knocking on doors today to update the Voters List in Hamilton East. The target revision is being conducted in preparation for the electoral district’s May 13 by-election.
“The Permanent Register of Electors for Ontario means that enumeration is no longer necessary. Our Revising Agents visit where it is typically most needed and effective – in areas of high mobility like apartments and new housing developments,” says Loren Wells, Assistant Chief Election Officer.
Revising Agents will be carrying identification from Elections Ontario and asking questions that verify voter eligibility.
“By providing our team of revising agents with accurate information about eligible voters living at their address, residents will help us make sure that they appear correctly on the Voters List,” adds Ms. Wells.
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 of the Electoral District of Hamilton East – and who have NOT received a Notice of Registration card by May 1 should contact the Returning Office to select from a convenient range of options for adding their name to the Voters List.
About Elections Ontario
Elections Ontario is the non-partisan agency responsible for administering provincial elections, by-elections and referenda. Ontario elections are governed by the Election Act and the Election Finances Act. Returning Officers are appointed by Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor in Council and follow the direction of the Chief Election Officer who is an officer of the Legislative Assembly.
About the Permanent Register of Electors for Ontario.
The Permanent Register of Electors for Ontario (PREO) is an automated database of electors and is used to prepare the preliminary Voters List of those individuals qualified to vote in a provincial election. Voter information is maintained on an ongoing basis, in part through regular updates of a variety of federal and provincial information sources, as well as special door-to-door visits in areas where significant changes in population have occurred. Following an election call, the information contained in the PREO is converted into the Voters Lists by Elections Ontario for each electoral district. During an election, a revision process enables qualified electors whose names are NOT included in the preliminary Voters List to have their names added. Qualified electors may also have their name added to the Voters List and vote at an Advance Poll or on Election Day. In addition, those who have moved may also have their addresses updated.
Media Contacts
Elections Ontario Media Centre:
416.212.6186 / 1.866.252.2152
media@electionsontario.on.ca