2018 Certified Election Results

The number of Electors in the 2018 Municipal Election was 3838.

The voter turnout was 1940 - 50.54%.

The new Council was sworn in on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

The first Regular Meeting of Council for the 2018 - 2022 Council Term was held Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers.

Notice of Filing Compliance

Information on Municipal Elections
Information on Elections Canada
Information on Elections Ontario

The 2022 Municipal Elections will be held on October 24, 2022 and nominations are now closed.

Candidate information packages have been prepared and can be picked up at the Municipal Office, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or downloaded from our website.  These packages contain all the forms and information you need to run a successful campaign.  We encourage you to review the information this package provides, complete the necessary forms and when you are ready to file your nomination contact the municipal office at 705 869-1540 to book a meeting with the Clerk where your nomination will be reviewed and certified, ensuring your name appears on the ballot.

 Candidate Information Package Contents:

Introductory Letter

Nomination Paper

Appointment of Agent to Submit Nomination Paper

Consent to Release Personal Information

Election Sign Bylaw and Deposit Form

Scrutineer Appointment Form and Guidelines

Certificate of Maximum Campaign Expenses – Candidates (not available yet, estimate provided in introductory letter)

Certificate of Maximum Campaign Expenses – Own Campaign (not available yet, estimate provided in introductory letter)

Financial Statement

Financial Statement – Subsequent Expenses

Withdrawal of Nomination Paper

Appointment of Agent to Withdrawal Nomination

Candidate’s Declaration – Proper Use of Voters’ List

Additional Information: 

2022 Candidates’ Guide for Ontario Municipal and School Board Elections

Candidate’s Guide to Accessible Elections

Nomination Notice from Clerk

Notice to Financial Institutions

2022 Clerk’s Procedures

What is the Municipal Election?

Municipalities in Ontario such as Towns, Townships, Cities and Counties have elected Councils responsible for carrying out the responsibilities of Municipalities according to the Municipal Act, 1990 and any other applicable legislation as delegated by the Province of Ontario. The Town of Espanola has a 7 member Council elected every four years, which includes 6 Councillors and one Mayor who acts as the head of council.

What are the roles and responsibilities of Council?

The role of Council as per section 224 of the Municipal Act, 1990 are:

(a) to represent the public and to consider the well-being and interests of the municipality;

(b) to develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the municipality;

(c) to determine which services the municipality provides;

(d) to ensure that administrative policies, practices and procedures and controllership policies, practices and procedures are in place to implement the decisions of council;

(d.1) to ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality, including the activities of the senior management of the municipality;

(e) to maintain the financial integrity of the municipality; and

(f) to carry out the duties of council under this or any other Act.  2001, c. 25, s. 224; 2006, c. 32, Sched. A, s. 99.

What specific duties does the Mayor have in addition to the mentioned roles and responsibilities of Council?

As per section 225 of the Municipal Act, 1990, the head of council, the Mayor in the Town of Espanola, has the following responsibilities:

(a) to act as chief executive officer of the municipality;

(b) to preside over council meetings so that its business can be carried out efficiently and effectively;

(c) to provide leadership to the council;

(c.1) 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);

(d) to represent the municipality at official functions; and

(e) to carry out the duties of the head of council under this or any other Act.  2001, c. 25, s. 225; 2006, c. 32, Sched. A, s. 100.

When is the Municipal Election?

Municipal Elections in Ontario are held every four years on the fourth Monday of October.  The next municipal election will be held Monday, October 24, 2022. The last municipal election was held on October 22, 2018.

What is the School Board Trustee Election?

The School Board Trustees are elected at the same time as the municipal councils. Information regarding the nomination filing for the Trustees can be requested from the Clerk's Office. 

How do I vote in the 2022 Municipal Election in Espanola?

Voting for the 2022 Municipal Election in Espanola will be by phone and internet voting method. All eligible voters who are on the voters’ list will be sent a voter information letter which will provide instructions for voting by phone or internet. Those who do not have access to a phone or internet will be able to vote in person at the Municipal Office during the voting period.

How do I register to vote or make sure that I am on the voters’ list?

Voters can register to be added to the voters’ list by going to voterlookup.ca or by calling 1-866-296-6722.

After August 30th, voters can register by calling the Municipal Office for instructions on submitting an application to be added to to make changes to the Voters' List at 705-869-1540.

When is the voting period?

The voting period for the 2022 Municipal Election in Espanola is October 14^th, 2022 to October 24^th 2022. Voting will open at 10am on Friday October 14^th and close at 8 pm on Monday October 24^th.

How long are you on Council if you win?

Under the Municipal Elections Act, the term of Council is four years.

When can I submit an application to run for Council or for School Board Trustee?

Nominations for Mayor and Council candidates and local school board trustees, will open on Monday, May 2, 2022 and will close on August 19, 2022. Individuals interested in running for Mayor, for Councillor or for School Board Trustee must ensure that their nomination papers are filed with the Town Clerk no later than 2:00 p.m. on August 19, 2022.

When can I begin my campaign?

Candidates cannot begin their election campaign until their papers are filed with the Clerk’s Office.

When will I start my duties if elected?

The new four-year term of office will begin on November 15, 2022.

How much can I receive in contributions  for my campaign from others?

There is a $1,200 limit that applies to contributions from other individuals. If a person makes more than 1 contribution (e.g. contributes money, contributes goods, and purchases a ticket to a fundraising event), the total value of all the contributions cannot exceed $1,200.

The maximum total amount that a contributor can give to candidates in the same jurisdiction (i.e. running for the same council or the same school board) is $5,000.

You are required to inform every contributor of the contribution limits. An easy way to make sure that this is done is to include the contribution limits on the receipt that you provide for each contribution.

Can contributions from others be made in cash?

Only a contribution that is $25 or less can be made in cash. All contributions above $25 must be made by cheque, money order or by a method that clearly shows where the funds came from (such as certain debit, credit or electronic transfer transactions).

How much can I contribute to my own campaign?

If you are running for municipal council, there is a limit on the total amount that you and your spouse may collectively contribute to your own campaign. The contribution limit is calculated based on the number of electors who are eligible to vote for the office that you are running for. The formula to calculate the limit is:

• for head of council: $7,500 plus $0.20 per eligible elector
• for council member: $5,000 plus $0.20 per eligible elector

There is a cap of $25,000. If the formula results in a number greater than $25,000, the limit will still be $25,000.

The clerk will tell you what your self-funding limit is.

All of the contributions that you and your spouse make to your own campaign count towards this limit, including:

• contributions of money
• the value of goods or services that you or your spouse donate to the campaign
• the value of any inventory from the previous election that you use again in this campaign

This limit does not apply to school board trustee candidates.

How do I report my campaign finances?

Each Candidate is responsible for keeping records of the financial activities related to their campaign. The Municipal Elections Act, 1996 does not require you to use any specific accounting system. You may want to consult with an auditor or an accountant early in your campaign to make sure that you are using a bookkeeping and accounting system that will suit your needs.

You will be required to submit a financial statement form following your campaign which will provide details of all campaign expenditures and donations. You will be required to keep all of your campaign financial records until just after the next Municipal Election in 2026.

What financial records do I need to keep from my campaign?

You must keep the following campaign records:

• receipts issued for every contribution including when you accepted the contribution and the date you issued the receipt (remember to issue receipts to yourself for any contributions you make)
• the value of every contribution, whether it is in the form of money or goods or services, and the contributor’s name and address
• all expenses, including the receipts obtained for each expense
• any claim for payment of an expense that the campaign disputes or refuses to pay
• the funds raised and expenses incurred from each separate fundraising event or activity
• the terms of any loan received from a bank or other recognized lending institution

The Clerk is responsible for creating and implementing procedures that are necessary to conduct an election in a manner that reflects the principles of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (MEA) and its Regulations.

To review the Clerk's procedures for the 2022 Municipal Elections please click here.  

Amendments to the Clerk's procedures will be captured in an updated document and posted above as soon as possible. The version of the Clerk's procedures posted above is the most up to date version. 

Nomination period is now closed, the official list of certified candidates can be viewed by clicking here and the names of all certified candidates are listed below. 

1. Introduction

This plan will address the specific accessibility requirements in relation to the 2022 Municipal Election in the Town of Espanola.

The Town of Espanola has made great efforts in promoting a barrier free community. In an effort to ensure that the 2022 Municipal Election is consistent with the core principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, this planning document was developed in advance of the election in order to identify measures to be taken and reported to Council following the election.

Person-first vs Identify-first Language Note:

The use of person-first or identify-first language is an important discussion and is personal to each individual. The municipal staff will strive to use the language descriptors as preferred by the individual. For the purpose of this document, the use of Person-first language will be used.

2. Objectives

This plan is intended to highlight measures that the Town of Espanola will be implementing to ensure equal opportunity for all electors and candidates. These objectives include:

• That persons with disabilities are able to independently cast their vote and verify their selection.
• That persons with disabilities have full and equal access to all information on where and when to vote and on eligible candidates.
• That persons with disabilities can fully participate in the Municipal Election as an elector, candidate, or election official.
• That efforts are made to ensure that electors with disabilities are aware of the accessibility measures available via channels such as the newspaper, media launches, the Town of Espanola website (in accordance with the AODA web accessibility standards (WCAG 2.0 AA)) and social media.
• That the Voter Assistance Centre location is accessible and barrier free.

3. Development of the Plan

This Plan is a “living” document which will be improved and updated as best practices are identified and new opportunities for improvement arise. In order to develop the plan below, several steps were taken in order to ensure that the statutory requirements were met and a feasible implementation plan was in place. During the development of the 2022 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan, the following steps shall be implemented:

• Review and analysis of documents, policies and other supporting materials from AMCTO, neighboring municipalities, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, technology suppliers and other various stakeholder groups.
• Establish staff training standards and practices directly related to the Election to ensure that people with disabilities are able to vote in a positive customer service environment, and ensure that all Election Officials recognize that a voter’s needs shall be accommodated.

4. Voting Methods

In 2022, the Town of Espanola will be working with Scytl Election Technologies, S.L.U.  to provide eVoting services to eligible voters. This includes the convenience and independence of voting from anywhere via telephone, internet or in-person at the Voter Assistance Centre during the October 14 – 24, 2022 voting period. Please note that the in-person voting at the Voter Assistance Centre entails internet or telephone voting opportunities via a laptop/computer or telephone with the help of an Election Official.

Everyday tools like computers, telephones and other aids can present accessible opportunities for persons with disabilities to accomplish more, while being consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equal opportunity.

The Scytl Voting system provides voters with the capability to vote from the comfort of their own home. Voting from home facilitates the voting process for persons with disabilities who may have mobility restrictions, visual impairment, and/or have a difficult time with transportation. Additionally, persons who have assistive devices set up in their homes can now use them to assist with casting a ballot privately and independently.

By allowing persons with disabilities to vote from any location and from a selection of methods, there is an increase in the capability for the voter to vote without any assistance. This provides persons with disabilities the same independence and privacy in participating in the election as other voters. If persons with disabilities do require assistance in the voting process, trained Election Officials will be present at the in-person Voter Assistance Centre offered at the Town of Espanola Municipal Office, throughout the voting period during regular business hours and until 8 PM on Monday, October 24, 2022.

4.1 Telephone Voting

Eligible voters may vote using a touch-tone telephone, and the toll-free telephone number, date of birth, and PIN number contained in their Voter Information Letter to access an audio ballot. Communications barriers can make it difficult for people to receive or convey information. Barriers may be identified as low volume, use of language that is not clear or plain, and confusing or unorganized menu options.

The Scytl telephone voting application provides the following:

• Service on all types of touch tone phones and wireless devices.
• Clear, plain language.
• Menu options that are easy to follow, advising when to select options and provision of confirmation of the voter’s selections.
• Standard volume is used to allow for adjustment dependent of the telephone or device being utilized.

4.2 Internet Voting

Eligible voters may vote online, using a smart phone, tablet device, gaming device or computer and any accompanying assistive devices or software, along with their date of birth and PIN and qualifying information, to access the internet address provided in their Voter Instruction Letter.

The Scytl System has been created to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG-2 Level AA), so that persons with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate and interact with the online voting system. It is compliant with the guidelines of the World Wide Web Consortium website principles, which include organization, functionality and readability of information provided, as well as alternative ways of representing information, such as with audio.

4.3 In-person Voting at the Voter Assistance Centre location

For those individuals without means to access voting via telephone or internet, or who require the assistance of a trained Election Official, the Voter Assistance Centre will be open during the voting period, including on Election Day, to provide in-person internet voting or telephone voting opportunities via a laptop/computer/tablet, or telephone.

Access to the Voter Assistance Centre interior and voting area shall be level and slip-resistant. Any doormats or carpeting shall be level with the floor to prevent potential tripping hazards. The voting area shall be well lit and seating shall be available. Entrance corridors shall be clear of obstructions and tripping hazards and will allow sufficient space for use of a wheelchair or scooter.

An accessible voting area will be available at the Voter Assistance Centre. These areas shall be low in height and have a wide area to allow for individuals who use a wheelchair or scooter to vote independently and secretively.

Voters may attend the Voter Assistance Centre at the Municipal Office, located at 100 Tudhope Street in Espanola throughout the voting period from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (starting only at 10 a.m. on October 14, 2022 and until 8 p.m. on October 24, 2022).

4.4 Special Voting Provisions

Election staff may visit sites including the Espanola Recreation Complex, long-term care facilities and retirement homes, to set-up on-site voting kiosks, or bedside voting opportunities for residents.

5. Voter Assistance Centre Location(s)

An accessibility assessment of the physical Voter Assistance Centre location has been conducted and the location meets all applicable standards.

5.1 Accessible Route

The name and/or address of the Voter Assistance Centre shall be clearly visible. An easily navigable route will be marked for entry into the Voter Assistance Centre and into the voting area within the location. The voting area shall be identified with clear and understandable signage. Seating areas shall be provided throughout the Voter Assistance Centre for individuals needing a rest.

5.2 Entrance and Exit

The route to the entrance of the Voter Assistance Centre shall be unobstructed and accessible. The route shall be wide enough to allow for an individual using a wheelchair, scooter, other assistive device, or service animal to travel safely. Doors into the Voter Assistance Centre and voting area shall be accessible and easy to open or shall remain propped open for the duration of the Voter Assistance Centre hours. Routine checks of entrance and exit routes will be made throughout the hours of operation.

5.3 Parking

Accessible parking shall be available at the Voter Assistance Centre. The designated parking space(s) shall be clearly marked with the international Symbol of Accessibility and will be on firm and level ground, close to the entrance of the Voter Assistance Centre. By-law officers and municipal staff will monitor and enforce parking at Voter Assistance Centre intermittently.

6. Voting Assistance

6.1 Support Person/Friend of the Voter

Pursuant to the Town of Espanola Clerk’s Procedures for the Municipal Election, people with disabilities shall be permitted to be accompanied by a support person at the Voter Assistance Centre. A designated support person and/or ‘Friend of the Voter’ will be administered an oath of secrecy/confidentiality by an Election Official prior to providing any such assistance.

6.2 Service Animals

Pursuant to the Town of Espanola Accessibility Customer Service Policy, individuals requiring service animals are permitted to be accompanied by a service animal at all Municipal facilities including the Voter Assistance Centre.

6.3 Election Officials

At the in-person Voter Assistance Centre location, upon request, Election Officials are available to assist any voter who requires assistance in casting their online or telephone ballot. All individuals working in the capacity of an Election Official are formally appointed as such and administered an oath of secrecy prior to voting day.

7. Communication

The 2022 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan will be made available at the Municipal Office (100 Tudhope Street) and by way of the Town of Espanola web site www.espanola.ca. Alternative formats will be made available upon request.

Information regarding the accessibility measures provided for the 2022 Municipal Election shall be included in general election advertising as well as in the 2022 Municipal Election Nomination Package.

7.1 Election Materials

The Town of Espanola is required, as per the Accessibility Customer Service Standard, to provide a copy of a document to a person with a disability, or the information contained in the document, in a format that takes into account the person's disability.

Alternate Formats

Alternate formats are other ways of publishing information besides regular print. Some of these formats can be used by everyone while others are designed to address the specific needs of a user.

The Town of Espanola and the person with a disability may agree upon the format to be used for the document or information.

In the event the information is not generated by the Town of Espanola or is supplied by a third party, the Town of Espanola will make every effort to obtain the information from the third party in an alternate format and/or will attempt to assist the Elector by providing assistive equipment.

General Election Materials

Large Print – Printed material generated by the Town of Espanola will be provided in a Arial font, minimum 11 point, and can be made available in a font (print) size that is 16 to 20 points or larger.

Website – Information generated by the Town of Espanola on the website in relation to the election will be compliant with WCAG 2.0 Level AA, and allow for assistive software to be utilized. In addition, website font can be adjusted within the browser’s functionality to aid the user in reading the information. In the event that a document cannot be published in this manner, the municipal staff will produce the document in the format requested.

Video – Promotional and educational videos created for the 2022 municipal election may incorporate audio and captioning.

7.2 Service Disruptions

From time to time and/or for unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the Town of Espanola, temporary service disruptions may be experienced. In the event of a temporary accessible service disruption, Election Officials will commit to making reasonable efforts to ensure that services are reinstated as quickly as possible and that alternative services are provided where feasible.

 In these instances of service disruptions, the Town of Espanola shall provide reasonable notice in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in the facilities or services usually used by persons with disabilities.

Notice of these temporary disruptions shall be provided in a conspicuous place and manner at the respective location(s) and information shall also be posted on the Town of Espanola website. This notice shall include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.

Accessible services in relation to this plan include Voter Assistance Centre locations, election materials and/or voting provisions for Electors with disabilities at the Voter Assistance Centre.

In the event of disruptions to service or unforeseen circumstances that affect the accessibility of the Voter Assistance Centre location during the voting period or on Election Day, notices of disruption will be posted in real time on the Town of Espanola

8. Candidates

Candidates must also have regard to the needs of electors with disabilities. Campaign offices, election materials and canvassing should all be reviewed in order to ensure that they are fully accessible. The Province of Ontario encourages candidates to review their page on Accessibility for resources and further information.

9. Reporting

Pursuant to Section 12.1 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, within 90 days after voting day, the Town Clerk for the Town of Espanola will submit a report to Council about the identification, removal and prevention of barriers that affect electors and candidates with disabilities.

Online Voting System Video Demonstration

Telephone Voting System Video Demonstration

To view the signed Certificate and Declaration of Election Results for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Election for the Town of Espanola, please click below:

2022 Certificate and Declaration of Election Results

STAFF REPORT

Department: Clerk’s Office

Date: January 24, 2022

Item: Accessibility Report – Municipal Election 2022

Background:

The Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (hereafter, ‘the Act’) states that a Clerk responsible for conducting an election shall have regard to the needs of electors and candidates with disabilities. The Clerk shall prepare a plan regarding the identification, removal and prevention of barriers that affect electors and candidates with disabilities and shall make the plan available to the public before voting day in a regular election. Within 90 days after voting day in a regular election, the Clerk shall prepare a report about the identification, removal and prevention of barriers that affect electors and candidates with disabilities and shall make the report available to the public.

Analysis:

2022 Municipal Election Method

On January 11, 2022, Council approved the alternate voting method of internet and telephone for the 2022 Municipal Election as recommended by staff.

As an alternate method of voting was chosen, it eliminated the need for polling stations. Travelling to a physical polling station could create hardship or be a barrier to a person with a disability who has mobility restrictions or has a difficult time with transportation due to a physical disability. Internet and telephone voting was chosen in part, in order to provide equal access and equal opportunity to persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities could access the voting system over the telephone, both mobile and land line or by internet. This enabled persons with a disability the opportunity to vote from any location, using more than one method increasing their level of independence in voting.

Steps in assessing accessibility for the election:

1. Conducted an internal and external site audit to ensure no barriers present.
2. Published the Town of Espanola Municipal Election Accessibility Plan on the Town website in September 2022.
3. The Plan included contact information for the Municipal Clerk.
4. Provided for a provision to consider new best practices or circumstances that might arise requiring accessibility.
5. Provided for the ability to receive materials in an alternate format.

Voter Assistance Centre

An accessible Voter Assistance Centre was established at the Town of Espanola Municipal Office on the first floor and opened the following dates and times for those electors who needed in person assistance:

- Two voting computers were provided in the Voter Assistance Centre with a telephone available to address the needs of visually impaired electors and those with hand agility concerns.

- Signage in large font was posted throughout the municipal building as well as outside both the front and back doors.

- Accessible parking in front of the building was reserved for voters during the hours of the Voter Assistance Centre.

- Free specialized transit rides were offered to any eligible voters who required transportation to the Voter Assistance Centre.

 - Pop-up Voter Assistance Centres were established at the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex with laptops, Ipads and printers during the following dates and times:

Espanola Nursing Home and Seniors Complex

On Monday October 17, 2022 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, a Voter Assistance Centre was established at The Espanola Seniors Complex (799 Queensway Ave) for residents of the Espanola Seniors Apartments and The Queensway Place (Assisted Living) with two laptops and a printer.

In addition, a municipal employee attended the Nursing Home on to provide voting assistance and an Ipad to vote on for residents of the Nursing home.

Support Person/Friend of the Voter

Pursuant to the Town of Espanola Clerk’s Procedures for the Municipal Election, people with disabilities were permitted to be accompanied by a support person at the Voter Assistance Centre.

Service Animals

Pursuant to the Town of Espanola Accessibility Customer Service Policy, individuals requiring service animals were permitted to be accompanied by a service animal at all Municipal facilities including the Voter Assistance Centre.

Election Officials

At the in-person Voter Assistance Centre location, upon request, Election Officials were available to assist any voter who required assistance in casting their online or telephone ballot. All individuals working in the capacity of an Election Official were formally appointed as such and administered an oath of secrecy prior to voting day.

Communication

The 2022 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan was made available at the Municipal Office (100 Tudhope Street) and by way of the Town of Espanola web site www.espanola.ca. Alternative formats were made available upon request.

Information regarding the accessibility measures provided for the 2022 Municipal Election were included in general election advertising as well as in the 2022 Municipal Election Nomination Package.

Election Materials

The Town of Espanola is required, as per the Accessibility Customer Service Standard, to provide a copy of a document to a person with a disability, or the information contained in the document, in a format that takes into account the person's disability

Website – Information generated by the Town of Espanola on the website in relation to the election will be compliant with WCAG 2.0 Level AA, and allow for assistive software to be utilized. In addition, website font can be adjusted within the browser’s functionality to aid the user in reading the information. In the event that a document could not be published in this manner, the municipal staff produced the document in the format requested.

Video – Promotional and educational videos created for the 2022 municipal election incorporated audio and captioning.

Voter Look Up and Voter Registration

Online look up and voter registration was a one-stop shop method for electors to confirm if they were on the voters list and register if they were not. Electors filled in a registration form, confirmed the information provided and uploaded their identification with their qualifying address.

For voter registration after the deadline for Voter Look-up, Electors could fill out a form and depending on the circumstances be added to the voters list in person or an Election Official could go to their residence to collect their voter attestation.

Candidates

Candidates were provided with the AMCTO Candidate’s Guide to Accessible Elections.

No Candidates identified with the Clerk as requiring any accommodation.

Staff

Only Town Staff were utilized to assist throughout the election process. As per provincial legislation, all Town Staff have received Accessible Customer Service Training.

Existing Policy: Municipal Elections Act, 1996      

Strategic Goal: Excellence in Government

Prepared By: Joseph Burke

Department Manager: Joseph Burke

CAO/Treasurer: Allan Hewitt