NEWMARKET, ON – October 14, 2022 – From Saturday, October 15 at 10 a.m. to Monday, October 24 at 8 p.m. voters can cast their ballot in the 2022 Newmarket Municipal Election online anytime, or via a paper ballot during an in-person appointment. Voting online is easy, convenient, secure and accessible and can be done any time of day using a computer, tablet or smartphone.
“This is our most accessible election yet, with over 225 hours available for voters to cast their ballot online, from the comfort of their home,” says Lisa Lyons, Town Clerk and Returning Officer. “But we also recognize many need support when voting, which is why we have opened two Voter Assistance Centres running the entire election period, we’re going to our residents in long term care and retirement homes, and you can even call and have our street team come to your house to help you cast your ballot. These are just a few of the ways we’re making it easier to vote in Newmarket.”
Voter Instruction Letters & Personal Identification Numbers (PIN)
In order to cast a ballot, voters will need a Voter Instruction Letter which contains their unique Voting PIN (Personal Identification Number). By now, eligible Newmarket voters who are on the Municipal Voters’ List should have received their Voter Instruction Letter in the mail. Voter Instruction Letters contain the simple directions on how to vote, a unique Voting PIN and the website to go visit to vote.
Newmarket voters who did not receive a Voter Instruction Letter can visit newmarketvotes.ca or speak to a Customer Service Associate in-person at the Town of Newmarket Municipal Offices (395 Mulock Drive) during regular business hours to add themselves to the Municipal Voters’ List. They will need to provide an acceptable document for voter identification that includes their name and current Newmarket address.
Remember, voters are not automatically added to the Municipal Voters’ List if they are on the Provincial and Federal Voters’ Lists.
Paper Ballots
Voters interested in voting in-person on a paper ballot can call 905-953-5152 to book an appointment to vote at the Newmarket Municipal Offices. In-person voting by appointment is available October 15 to October 24, 10 a.m. to 8 a.m. daily.
When receiving your Voter Instruction Letter in the mail and voting in this Municipal Election, please keep the following “Do’s” and “Don’ts” in mind:
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Don’t: |
- Keep your Voting PIN on hand because you will need it when it comes time to vote.
- Mark Voter Instruction Letters as “Return to Sender – moved” for a child who has moved out, or a previous homeowner.
- Say something if you see something suspicious, we are here to help.
- Contact the Election Helpline at 905-953-5152 immediately if you lose your Voter Instruction Letter. If lost, your old Voting PIN will be deactivated and you will be issued a new one.
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- Open up mail that hasn’t been addressed to you and do not vote using a Voting PIN that is not yours. These are both convictable offences and can result in a fine and/or jail time.
- Share your Voting PIN – it’s unique to you. Municipal staff, candidates and law enforcement officials should never ask you for it.
- Vote more than once in Newmarket, no matter how many voting days there are or how many properties you own or rent.
- Post a photo or a selfie with your ballot on social media or elsewhere – it’s illegal.
- Use a candidate’s mobile device to vote or share proof of who you voted for.
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Many ways to get help with voting
Voters who need to access an internet-connected device, require assistance to vote, or need to get a new Voter Instruction Letter can visit a Voter Assistance Centre open daily during the election period. Election staff will be on hand to provide assistance with technology and answer any questions voters may have.
Voter Assistance Centres
Open: October 15 – 24, 2022 | 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
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Magna Centre - Gymnasium
800 Mulock Drive |
Ray Twinney Recreation Complex - Lounge 2
100 Eagle Street West |
Voters are asked to bring the Voter Instruction Letter that was mailed to them. If they don't have a Voter Instruction Letter, they should bring identification that includes their name and address.
In addition to the staffed Voter Assistance Centres, unstaffed computer terminals are available for voters to cast their ballots at the Newmarket Public Library, the Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place, and the Municipal Offices during regular business hours.
If a voter needs help at home, the Election Team can come to their home! Voters can call 905-953-5152 to book an appointment and members of the Election Street Team will assist the voter with voting at their home.
For more information about the 2022 Newmarket Municipal Election, visit newmarketvotes.ca
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