Have your say on voting methods for the 2022 municipal election

As previously reported by SooToday, the City of Sault Ste. Marie is looking at different voting options for the next municipal election, including mail-in ballots, voting online or voting by phone. 

Historically, the city has used paper ballots. During the 2018 election, the city also offered a home visit program, where eligible voters could register to have a ballot box brought to their home providing greater accessibility for voters.  

In a news release issued over the weekend, the city invited the public to have their say on which method they find most user-friendly. 

“The review is an opportunity to evaluate people’s preference with vote-counting equipment, alternative voting methods and voting locations,” says Madison Zuppa, Deputy City Clerk.

Anyone interested in giving their input is asked to fill out an online survey by May 15, 2021. The city is also hosting a virtual information session on April 20 from 3-4 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.

The full release is as follows:

The City of Sault Ste. Marie invites community input on voting methods. The review will explore how residents may cast their ballot in the 2022 municipal election.  

“The review is an opportunity to evaluate people’s preference with vote-counting equipment, alternative voting methods and voting locations,” says Madison Zuppa, Deputy City Clerk. “There are several ways in which votes can be made and counted including in-person manual count, in-person tabulator count, vote by mail, vote online and vote by phone.”  

The City of Sault Ste. Marie has historically used paper ballot/manual count. In the 2018 municipal election, the city also provided a home visit program, where eligible voters could register to have a ballot box brought to their home providing greater accessibility for voters.  

The review of voting methods is being done now so that any changes can be made before the 2022 municipal election.  

Participate in the conversation online
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the voting methods review will take place online. Explore and learn more about voting methods, ask a question, and take the survey online by May 15, 2021. Paper copies of the survey are available upon request.  

Attend the virtual information session on April 20, 2021
Attend our virtual information session where city staff will present information and answer questions. Virtual information sessions will be held on Tuesday, April 20, from 3-4 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. To participate in one of the sessions, you will need to pre-register by contacting the City’s Clerk office at 705-759-5388 or email [email protected]. A live feed of the meeting will be streamed on the city’s YouTube channel, and afterwards it will be available on the city’s website.  

All feedback gathered throughout the engagement process will be considered as part of 2022 municipal election planning process.