The City of
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January 10, 2011
TO: GENERAL COMMITTEE
SUBJECT: POST-ELECTION REPORT - 2010 MUNICIPAL ELECTION
ACCESSIBILITY INITIATIVES
PREPARED BY AND KEY W. SUTHERLAND, ELECTION CO-ORDINATOR, EXT. 5077
CONTACT:
SUBMITTED BY: D. MCALPINE, CITY CLERK
GENERAL MANAGER E. ARCHER, GENERAL MANAGER F CORPORATE SERV
APPROVAL: ii
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE JON M. BABULIC, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
OFFICER APPROVAL: /
RECOMMENDED MOTION
That the Staff Report entitled "Post-Elect Report - 2010 Municipal Election Accessibility Initiatives"
be received for information purposes.
PURPOSE & BACKGROUND
2. In December of 2009, Bill 212 numerous amendments to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 were
adopted. Included within the amendments were changes to promote greater accessibility for
voters and candidates with disabilities. Requirements for each voting place to be accessible to
voters with disabilities and a report post election on accessibility measures implemented were
included in the changes.
3. Section 12.1 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, states that
"a Clerk who is responsible for conducting an election shall have regard to the needs of electors
and candidates with disabilities and shall within 90 days after voting day, in a regular election,
submit a report to Council about the identification, removal and prevention of barriers that affect
electors and candidates with disabilities."
4. The City Clerk is responsible for conducting Municipal Elections in accordance with the Municipal
Elections Act, 1996, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 and the Accessibility for Ontarians
with Disabilities Act, 2005.
The purpose of this report is to describe the procedures and measures established by the Clerk to
ensure that persons with disabilities had the opportunity to participate fully in the 2010 Municipal
Election.
ANALYSIS
6. The City of Barrie is committed to providing exceptional and accessible service for its customers.
Goods and services will be provided in a manner that is based upon the principles of dignity,
independence, integration and equal opportunity to all its customers. The City's 2010 Municipal
Election Accessibility Plan highlighted a number of initiatives that were undertaken by the City to
provide an election that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities while
maintaining the integrity of the election process.The City of
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An overview of the actions taken to identify as well as remove and prevent barriers, comments
regarding the actions and considerations for the 2014 Municipal Election has been included as
Appendix "A" to this Staff Report.
The City of Barrie's Accessibility Advisory Committee was a valuable resource in the development
of the 2010 Municipal Plan. The Committee provided positive and constructive input concerning
the plan and any initiatives to reach out to the electorate. The Committee members completed a
demonstration with the election equipment to ensure its suitability for use in the 2010 Municipal
Election.
In general, there was little public feedback regarding election accessibility initiatives. The majority
of the comments received regarding accessibility initiatives were very positive. One request was
received to add the digits associated with 728-VOTE in the City's advertising materials. Upon
receipt of the request, all remaining advertising was updated to address the request.
10. The following information is an overview of the actions taken to identify, remove and prevent
barriers that impacting electors and candidates with disabilities:
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
11. There are no environmental matters related to the recommendation to receive this report.
ALTERNATIVES
12. As this report is being presented for information purposes only, no alternatives are presented.
FINANCIAL
13. There are no direct financial implications associated with the recommendation to receive this
report.
LINKAGE TO COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
14. 2010-2014 Council's Strategic Priorities have not been established as of the time of writing of this
report. The City of
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Appendix "A"
Identification of Barriers
The following actions were undertaken to identify barriers that impact electors and candidates with
disabilities:
Action Comments Considerations for 2014
Reviewed and obtained input Committee provided advice and Continue process for 2014
on the 2010 Municipal Elections guidance that assisted in Municipal Election.
Accessibility Plan from the developing and delivering a
Accessibility Advisory comprehensive plan through two
Committee. meetings.
Created an accessibility Checklist was very effective for Continue to use checklist for
checklist with input from the identifying any challenges with review of 2014 voting
Accessibility Advisory potential locations and determining locations with any additional
Committee for use when the final voting locations as well as insight on criteria as
conducting site visits of each any measures that would be determined by best practices
voting location (Appendix "B"). required to mitigate any and the Accessibility
accessibility concerns. Advisory Committee,
specifically related to
additional specifications.
Assessed voting equipment to Issued Request for Information A review of available
ensure it met the needs of the regarding alternative voting and technology will be completed
electorate. vote counting technology, in 2013 to determine
Reviewed technology with methods to be utilized for the
Committee. Touch screen voting 2014 Municipal Election.
equipment was selected and a
demonstration completed with
Accessibility Advisory Committee
to ensure it was acceptable.
Reviewed past election Evaluation of previous election Post-election review meeting
practices to identify any risk to assisted in determination of has taken place with the
accessibility of candidates and potential voting locations for 2010 development of initial notes
electors and identified the as well as additional accessibility for 2014 Municipal Election.
impact of the risk and measures.
developed measures to
minimize the risk.The City of
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Removal and Prevention of Barriers
The following actions were undertaken to remove and prevent barriers that impact electors and
candidates with disabilities:
Communications and Information
Action Comments Considerations for 2014
Offered communication There were no requests for Continue process for the
initiatives and information for information in alternate formats. 2014 Municipal Election.
candidates and electors were Additional accessibility
available in alternate formats. features will be included on
the City's new website.
Posted all information to A separate Accessibility Enhance and improve
municipality's website including Information webpage under the information available on the
links to: a Candidates Guide to 2010 Municipal Elections site was City's website for the 2014
Accessible Elections, produced developed with links to the 2010 Municipal Election.
jointly by the Association of Municipal Election Accessibility
Municipal Managers, Clerk's Plan as well as resources from the
and Treasurer's of Ontario as Association of Municipal Managers,
well as other related material. Clerk's and Treasurer's of Ontario
and the Provincial guides for
candidates.
Enlisted input from the Advice from Accessibility Advisory Continue to utilize expertise
Accessibility Advisory Committee as well as input from of Committee and
Committee as well as Canadian individual members was used to organizations supporting
National Institute of the Blind finalize communications materials individuals with disabilities in
(CNIB) related to ballot format and the ballot. CNIB information future elections. For the
and various communications specifically utilized for ballot purposes of the 2014
materials, design. Municipal Election, provide
presentations to various
organizations as a further
means of communicating to
the electorate.
Provided candidates and staff Information was made available on Enhance and improve
with information relating to the City's website related to information available on the
accessible customer service accessible customer service City's website for the 2014
including a variety of quick Municipal Election.
reference guides. A specific staff
training session was held related to
accessible customer service for all
election officials.
Provided info to Candidates The City of Barrie's "What's New Continue to utilize the
regarding Campaign Expenses for 2010" information kit included candidate information kits to
and particular rules affecting details any election expenses provide details concerning
disabled candidates incurred as a result of a disability, election expenses incurred
In addition, copies of the Ministry of as a result of a disability.
Municipal Affairs and Housing's
Candidate contained detailed
information related to expenses.
Both documents were provided to
candidates. The City of
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Voting Locations
Action Comments Considerations for 2014
Conducted site visits of all Greeters were hired to provide Review alternative locations
potential voting locations to assistance at voting locations that in 2014 that offer a push
ensure accessibility based on did not offer a push button button automatic door
checklist requirements automatic door opener at the opener at the building
(Attached as Appendix "B"). building entrance. Doors were entrance, in addition to all
opened for every voter, other accessibility features.
Expand checklist criteria for
2014.
Provided accessible voting Audio ballots were provided on 2014 equipment/technology
equipment at each permanent every machine, at every location, should be selected to ensure
voting location, on all voting In addition, the size of the text on that accessible features are
days. the ballots was increased to available at each location, on
enhance readability, all voting days.
Provided a voting opportunity at Offering a voting opportunity within Expand in 2014 if feasible to
individual buildings with 100 or the buildings with 100 units or smaller buildings.
more dwelling units to increase greater was very well received. A
accessibility, number of individuals commented
that they would not have voted
otherwise.
Provided appropriate signage at Mobile signs were rented to identify Utilize mobile signage in
voting locations, voting locations as well as voting 2014 with signs at each
dates and times. The signs were location.
highly visible and very effective.
Permitted service animals and Election staff were trained to Continue process for the
support persons in all voting ensure that service animals would 2014 Municipal Election.
locations, be permitted. Confirmation
received from each voting location
regarding access for service
animals.
Ensured designated or Confirmed accessible parking Continue process for 2014
reserved parking for persons spaces were available as part of Municipal Election.
with disabilities at each voting site checklist.
location.
Provided Barrie Transit/BACTS Posted information on buses Continue process for 2014
passes to attend voting location regarding voting and promoted Municipal Election.
as part of voter notification transit as an alternative means to
information letter. reach voting locations.
Voting locations set up to allow Distance between voting machines, Continue to consider the
for maximum accessibility, location of power cords, lighting, interior set up of voting room
signage (internal), etc. all for maximum accessibility.
considered in the set up of the Additional seating to be
room, as feasible. provided at voting.The City of
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Voting
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Action Comments Considerations for 2014
Provided accessible equipment Touch screen equipment was Ensure that technology
at all voting locations (Advance utilized for every voter. The utilized in 2014 provides
Voting and Voting Day) equipment provided a larger text accessible equipment at
size and the availability of an audio each voting location, every
ballot on each machine, at every voting day.
voting location, every voting day.
Provided instructions on use of Signs posted at each voting Continue to enhance
accessible voting equipment machine. Video demonstration communication regarding
including notice of availability of provided on the City's website and accessibility features for the
the Accessible Customer through Rogers Television. 2014 Municipal Election.
Service Policy and 2010 Information on accessible voting
Municipal Election Accessibility included in insert in the newspaper
Plan. (special pull out feature).
Scheduled extended advance Voting was held over a six day Continue to offer multiple
voting opportunities. period of time in addition to Voting advance voting dates for the
Day itself. 2014 Municipal Election.
Promoted advance voting Notices for voting week, included a Continue to promote earlier
opportunity for electors with promotion to encourage voting voting for the 2014 Municipal
disabilities early for all electors and Election.
information about accessible
voting.
Provided vote anywhere in the Promoted vote anywhere, on any Continue to promote vote
municipality at advance voting voting day. anywhere, on any voting
dates and on Voting Day day, if technology permits,
for the 2014 Municipal
Election.
Provided voting opportunities An advance voting opportunity was Continue to offer an advance
on the premises of provided at each of the institutions voting opportunity at each of
a) an institution in which 20 or
and retirement homes defined in the institutions and
.
more beds are occupied by
the column to the left as well as on
. .
retirement homes defined in
persons who are disabled,
Voting Day itself. the legislation.
chronically ill or infirmed;
b) a retirement home in which
50 or more beds are occupied
Reviewed additional facilities Provided a voting opportunity at Expand in 2014 if feasible, to
eligible for reduced hours voting individual buildings with 100 or smaller buildings.
more dwelling units to increase
accessibility
Added tools to assist with Provided American Sign Language Continue to offer this service
ensuring accessibility as interpreters at a facility occupied by for the 2014 Municipal
identified the hearing impaired. Election. The City of
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Staff Training
Action Comments Considerations for 2014
Staff training incorporated A training session on accessible Continue to enhance training
provisions to meet accessible customer service was provided for and information available to
customer service standards - all election staff - including election staff for the 2014
including a section of the staff potential scenarios related to Municipal Election.
manual. providing assistance to electors
with disabilities. Manual included
information on accessible customer
service.
Encouraged election staff to Election staff attempted to address Review alternative locations
monitor elector's concerns and needs where feasible. Additional in 2014 that offer sufficient
needs to ensure they were met, seating was limited at many room for additional seating.
i.e. if an individual with a walker locations.
was in a long line, staff
observed, and if felt that the
elector was having difficulties,
offered a chair and ensured that
their place was saved in the
voting line-up or offered
assistance to help (did not
assume assistance was
required)
Election staff was trained to Review of details related to service Continue to include details
identify a service animal and animals was completed as part of related to service animals in
followed the Municipality's the training sessions held for staff. training for the 2014
Accessible Customer Service Municipal Election.
Policy
Checked the access doors Greeters opened doors at locations Review voting locations for
frequently to offer assistance without push button automatic door the 2014 Municipal Election
and watch for electors unable to openers for every elector. to determine if all locations
easily enter the building could be fully accessible.
Evaluated effectiveness of Accessible customer service Continue to offer training
training post-election training was well received by sessions with scenarios/case
election staff. Scenarios/case studies for the 2014 Municipal
studies appeared to be a very Election.
effective method of discussing
accessibility matters. None of the
customer feedback forms provided
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Name of Voting Location:
Address:
Inspection Date:
Yes No
Inside Building
Is the parking lot well lit?
Is the voting location on a bus route?
Is the name and address of the building clearly visible from the street and sidewalk?
Is there a pedestrian sidewalk nearby?
Is accessible parking available?
Is the accessible parking clearly marked with the International symbol of Accessibility?
Is the parking space firm and level, in good condition?
Are curb cuts provided at sidewalks, near parking and along the route to the primary
entrance?
I _____
______ I
I _____
Is the accessible parking large enough to meet the needs of an elector using a wheelchair
lift?
__ __
Is the route to the entrance accessible?
______ _____
free of obstruction?
______ _____
well maintained?
______ _____
no stairs?
_______ ______
wheelchair ramp?
______ _____
wide enough for a wheelchair or scooter?
______ _____
Is the building clearly identified by signage easy to read and understand?
I______ _____ The City of
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Entrance to Building
Does it have a self-opening door? ______ _____
A power button? ______ I_____
A doorbell with signage? ______ _____
Entrance area well kept - free of obstacles? ______ _____
An elevator if stairs are present? ______ _____
Ramps if stairs are present? ______ _____
Interior doors with lever handles?
I______ _____
Glass doors marked at eye level? ______I _____
Inside Building
Wide entrance into proposed unit space? ______I _____
Floors - slip free and free of trip hazards?
______ _____
Well lit?
___________ _________I
Stairs involved?
______ _____I