ELECTION 2019 Making the electoral process more accessible for - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
ELECTION 2019 Making the electoral process more accessible for those living with Acquired Brain Injury TODAY'S TOPICS About Brain Injury Canada and Elections Canada The Electoral Process Why You Should Vote Challenges and Barriers Faced By
Making the electoral process more accessible for those living with Acquired Brain Injury
About Brain Injury Canada and Elections Canada The Electoral Process Why You Should Vote Challenges and Barriers Faced By Those With ABI The Campaign Process It's Our Vote - Federal election 2019 Voting - Step by Step
Michelle McDonald Executive Director, Brain Injury Canada Juan Melara-Pineda
Senior Outreach Officer, Elections Canada
Take your time Pause the recording when you need to Take notes Send us questions info@braininjurycanada.ca
www.braininjurycanada.ca/election2019
The mission of Brain Injury Canada is to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families/caregivers living with brain injury in Canada. Our vision is for all individuals and families/caregivers living with the effects of brain injury are supported, valued and engaged in their communities. The Board, staff and volunteers of Brain Injury Canada are dedicated to facilitating post- trauma research, education, awareness and advocacy in partnership with national, provincial/territorial and regional associations and other stakeholders.
Elections Canada is the independent, non-partisan agency responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums. Their mission is to ensure that Canadians can exercise their democratic rights to vote and be a candidate. Elections Canada's day-to-day activities and decision making are guided by the following key values: a knowledgeable and professional workforce, transparency in everything we do, responsiveness to the needs of Canadians involved in the electoral process, cohesiveness and consistency in administering the Canada Elections Act, continuously earning and maintaining the public's trust, stewardship and accountability in how we manage our resources.
In preparation for the upcoming Federal Election in Fall 2019, Brain Injury Canada is collaborating with Elections Canada to achieve an accessible and inclusive electoral process for those with acquired brain injury.
The Electoral Process
Every Canadian citizen has the right to vote in an election. Every Canadian citizen has the right to run for office in an election. An election must take place at least once every five years. Elected representatives must meet at least once a year.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the following democratic rights:
The Governor General ends Parliament on the request of the Prime Minister and directs that the writs of election be issued. The Chief Electoral Officer issues the writs. These direct Elections Canada officials, called returning officers, to hold an election in each riding. Elections Canada sends preliminary lists of voters to the returning officers.
Once an election is called, each party decides who its candidate will be in each riding. A candidate can also run for election without a party, as either “independent” or “no affiliation.”
During the campaign period, candidates try to convince voters that they are the best choice to represent them in Parliament.
The most common way to vote is at the polls on election day. Electors must prove their identity and address before getting a ballot. They then go behind a voting screen to privately mark their ballot. Election workers must follow strict procedures to ensure the secrecy of the vote.
Once the polling stations close, Elections Canada officials open the ballot boxes and count the ballots. The candidate who receives the most votes in the riding becomes its member of Parliament (MP) and represents it in the House of Commons. The political party that has the most MPs usually forms the government and the leader of the political party with the most MPs typically becomes the prime minister.
Why should you vote?
By casting your vote, you are:
choosing a candidate you think will best represent you and what important to you, engaged and informed in the electoral process, supporting democracy and everything it stands for, showing your responsibility and interest to how the country is run, stating a vested interest in the future of Canada.
Your vote is your voice! Voting for the candidate of your choice is a privilege of our democracy that is not an option to many people across the world.
Elections have been won by just a few votes, so every vote matters. Even if the candidate you choose does not win, your vote shows where your support lies and this can help shape the government’s decisions.
Challenges and barriers faced by those with ABI
In February 2019, an online survey about past experience with the electoral process was developed and distributed in both French and English to the 60+ provincial and community brain injury associations across Canada for dissemination to their members. The results give insight into the experience of Canadians across the country and the barriers they face.
The way information is presented: Too many acronyms, Not written in plain language, Lack of visual aids to support written content, Not enough content in video format which can be easier to view, large volumes of information presented at one time. Websites are hard to navigate, cluttered and too overwhelming Content is not all accessible by screen readers Platforms are confusing, making it hard to figure out where candidates stand on some issues Candidates do not make the time to come in person to disability organizations
Events are not always accessible Candidates speak too quickly Large crowd size and noise is an issue for those with sensory issues Many people get anxious and overwhelmed and lose track of the actual discussion Events are often not streamed online (would enable some to attend virtually and watch at their own pace) Events are often held in the evening which is a challenge for those with fatigue Transportation to events is a challenge and not always available People face anxiety about speaking in front of large crowds, but still want to be able to voice their questions Some events are last minute and people do not have time to prepare to attend
People feel they don’t have time to vote and feel pressured by line ups. The ballot is confusing and cluttered. The list of names and parties displayed all on one page can be overwhelming. Voting booths are small causing issues for those with mobility impairments and spatial sensitivities. Polling stations are loud, lighting is too bright and there are too many people. Polling station workers are not aware of the invisible nature of some disabilities. Those in wheelchairs are moved to the front of the line. People feel anxious approaching workers for help. People with communication challenges are often treated with frustration or impatience. People have not been allowed to bring a companion for support right to the voting booth. Sometimes it is for balance or mobility issues, and sometimes it is for anxiety. Include accessible voting booths that have rails or stabilizers to help those with mobility issues. People forget what accessible voting aids are available and they are not clearly posted
The Campaign Process
Find a candidate that cares about the same things you do. We all have different interests and we want a candidate that will represent those interests.
Economy Education Childcare Healthcare Taxes Environment Human Rights Accessibility Military Employment Housing Immigration
Decide what you are looking for in a candidate. Find out about the candidates Gather materials about the candidates Evaluate candidates' stance on issues Learn about the candidates' leadership abilities Learn how other people view the candidate
Visit www.elections.ca to find the list of candidates
Write a letter to your candidate by mail or by email If you are comfortable, call or drop by their campaign office. While you may not be able to meet with the candidate directly, a meeting with one of their staff can be very effective. Contact the candidates in your riding to see if they have an accessibility policy and if they have staff designated to accessibility.
Ask for communications in formats that work for you. Ask for a listing of all campaign events in advance so you can plan which ones you would like to attend based on your needs. Offer to educate candidates on the challenges faced by those living with ABI in Canada, and more specifically in their riding.
Make your accessibility needs known prior to attending the event i.e. preferred seating, quieter area, person designated for accessibility - There is no guarantee they will make these accommodations, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Ask if there is an option to livestream the event. Ask for a recording of the event and if it will be made available so you can view it at your own pace. Ask for key messages to be available in plain and clear language.
If you find you are fatigued in the evenings, ask the candidates for a listing of events that take place in the morning or afternoon. If you have a question for a candidate but are not comfortable asking in front of a crowd, ask a staffer at the event to ask the question on your behalf. If you have a hard time following the dialogue of a long campaign event, contact the campaign office after and ask if a transcript is available. See if your local brain injury associations have any campaign related activities happening that you can get involved in.
elections.ca #ItsOurVote
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EC 90345 (02/2019) elections.ca #ItsOurVote
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Federal election overview
Elections Canada is the non-partisan agency responsible for ensuring that Canadians can exercise their democratic rights to vote and be a candidate.
riding Elections Canada informs voters on when, where and the ways to register and vote in a federal election. Visit elections.ca for the official information you need to vote.
elections.ca #ItsOurVote
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Who can vote?
To vote in a federal election, you must:
elections.ca #ItsOurVote
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What is voter registration?
Elections Canada maintains a National Register of Electors.
qualified to vote in federal elections
All registered electors receive a voter information card in the mail from Elections Canada after the election is called. It tells them where and when they can vote. Safeguarding personal information Elections Canada secures Canadians’ personal information in the National Register of Electors by using firewalls, data encryption and procedural controls.
elections.ca #ItsOurVote
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How to register
You can register before or when you go to vote.
– Online: Visit elections.ca and use the Voter Registration Service to register or update your voter information. – By mail: Call us at 1-800-463-6868 and we’ll send you a registration form.
– At any Elections Canada office across Canada, before the Tuesday before election day, 6:00 p.m. – At your assigned polling station on election day or advance polling days
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Your voter information card tells you:
polling days; and
language interpretation. Check the name and address on the card If there are errors, or if you don’t receive a card, visit elections.ca or call 1-800-463-6868 to update your voter information. You can also update your information when you go to vote.
Watch for your voter information card
elections.ca #ItsOurVote
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Have your ID ready to vote
You have three options to prove your identity and address: Option 1:
Show one piece of government-issued ID with your photo, name and current address. For example: your driver’s licence.
Option 2:
Show two pieces of ID. Both must have your name, and at least one must have your current
your student ID card. The complete list of accepted ID is available at elections.ca.
Option 3:
If you don’t have ID, you can still vote if you declare your identity and address in writing and have someone who knows you and who is assigned to your polling station vouch for you. The voucher must be able to prove their identity and address. A person can vouch for only one person (except in long-term care institutions).
elections.ca #ItsOurVote
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Voter ID
Helpful tips
e-statements and e-invoices.
device.
another piece of accepted ID.
elections.ca #ItsOurVote
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Ways you can vote
You can vote almost any time during the election period. 1. On election day
Your assigned polling station will be open for 12 hours (hours vary by province).
2. On advance polling days
Your assigned polling station will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday the week before election day.
Go to any Elections Canada office before the Tuesday before election day, 6:00 p.m. You will vote using the special ballot process. Once the election is called, visit elections.ca or call us to find the office nearest you.
elections.ca #ItsOurVote
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Ways you can vote
Apply at elections.ca before the Tuesday before election day, 6:00 p.m. to receive a special ballot voting kit in the mail.
you to return your marked ballot to Elections Canada by election day.
across Canada.
Other ways to vote
You may be eligible to vote another way, such as at home. Visit elections.ca or call us for more information.
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Where you can vote
If you vote on election day or advance polling days, you will vote at an assigned polling station in your riding. To find out where your assigned polling station is located:
box. Can’t vote at your assigned polling station? There are other places you can vote. Visit elections.ca or call 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY) for more information.
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Accessible polling stations
All electors are assigned polling stations for election day and advance polling
− check your voter information card; − visit elections.ca and enter your postal code into the Voter Information Service box;
− call us at 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY).
door to provide assistance. If your polling stations don’t meet your accessibility needs, or if you need language or sign language interpretation when you go to vote, call us. Deadlines apply.
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(and other assistance upon request in advance)
(bring someone you know or ask an election worker)
Voting tools and services
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Work at the election
Jobs are paid and training is provided.
– be a Canadian citizen – be at least 16 years old – remain non-partisan Learn more and apply online at elections.ca.
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Contact Elections Canada
– Tel: 1-800-463-6868 – TTY: 1-800-361-8935 – During the election period, we offer language interpretation services by phone.
– Twitter: Elections Canada @ElectionsCan_E – Facebook: ElectionsCanE – Instagram: electionscan-e – YouTube and LinkedIn: Elections Canada Elections Canada welcomes Video Relay System (VRS) calls.
VOTING - STEP BY STEP
There are a few things that you need to take into consideration when deciding which voting option is right for you:
What does your schedule look like on Election Day? If you have doctor's appointments
Do you have transportation to and from the polling station? If you need an attendant or friend, are they available on election day to go with you? If they are not located in the same riding, they need to be able to make time to vote. Do you need child care while you are voting?
Your accessibility needs: Will you have to stand in line for a long period of time? Light and sound sensitivity may be aggravated by the environment of the polling station. Do you have the physical and cognitive stamina to visit a polling station? Does standing in crowded areas give you anxiety? If you have short-term memory deficits, will this be an issue if you are voting at the polls?
Step 1 When you arrive at the polling station, an election worker will be there to greet you and direct you to the right table to pick up your ballot. Tell them if you need assistance. If you have trouble standing, ask them to bring a chair. Step 2 Once you are at the right table, a worker will ask for your ID to confirm your name and
name, if not. Step 3 The election work will write their initials on a ballot, fold it and hand it to you.
Step 4 Take your ballot behind a voting screen. If you need more space for your walker or wheelchair, ask a worker to make these accommodations. Mark the candidate you want to vote for with an X or another clear mark. Take all the time you need and don't feel pressured if there is a line. Re-fold your ballot. Step 5 Head back to the election worker who gave you your ballot. They’ll take it, tear off a tab, and hand it back to you. Step 6 Put your ballot in the box at the table.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get updates and reminders throughout the election.
www.facebook.com/braininjurycanada
@braininjury_CAN
Find your provincial or local brain injury association
Provincial and local brain injury associations are available across Canada and are ready to provide support, information, education, advocacy, and a variety of programs and services to those affected by acquired brain injury. www.braininjurycanada.ca/abi-associations