Half of Ontario polls will use new electronic vote tabulators

Half of Ontario polls will use electronic vote tabulators for the June 7 provincial election, though it is unclear what county locations will be affected.

On May 9 Elections Ontario announced it is “modernizing the voting process and putting the needs of electors first by introducing technology in the polls.”

Election officials will be using electronic poll books (e-Poll books) and vote tabulators across the province for advance voting.

On election day, 50% of the polls will have the vote tabulators and e-Poll books.

“Ontario’s 42nd General Election will be a transformative one,” Ontario’s Chief Electoral Officer Greg Essensa stated in a press release.

“We are modernizing Ontario’s elections in a measured and principled way that protects the integrity, security and privacy of our elections. Electors who bring their Voter Information Card and identification with them to vote can expect shorter wait times thanks to the introduction of technology in the polls.”

Several attempts by the Advertiser to find out which polls in the Wellington-Halton Hills and Perth-Wellington ridings are affected were unsuccessful.

Elections Ontario officials vowed to try to find out and return the Advertiser’s calls, but that never happened.

How it will work

According to Elections Ontario, e-Poll books make it easier and faster for an elector to get a ballot.

Election officials will use the e"‘Poll books to strike voters names from the voters list before providing them with their ballot. Voters will then cast their ballot using vote tabulators.

Electors are encouraged to confirm, update or add their information on the Voters List before they go to vote.

Registered voters will be sent a Voter Information Card with information about when and where to vote. Voters can check their information online with e-Registration at www.elections.on.ca.

Advance voting will be available until June 1 in returning offices. Advance voting hours are from 10am to 8pm.

On election day, June 7, polls will be open from 9am to 9pm.