What you need to know for today’s election
- Robert
- 22 Oct 2018
Monday, October 22 marks the 2018 Hamilton municipal election. Today, Hamilton residents will head out to the polls and cast their votes for the candidates they believe will make the best mayor, city councillors and school board trustees.
Today we want to share some tips and answer a few important questions before you reach your designated polling station. While whom you chose to vote for is ultimately up to you, we believe each and every Hamiltonian should exercise their civic right to vote.
When Can I Vote?
Now that advanced polls are closed, Monday, October 22 is your final day to vote! Polling stations will be open from 10 am until 8 pm.
Where Do I Vote?
There’ll be over 200 polling stations open today. It sounds pretty daunting but don’t worry, the city is divided into wards to make things much, much easier.
Across Hamilton, there are 15 different wards. The ward you live in determines where you can vote. This handy map created by the City of Hamilton will help you find which ward you can vote in.
The easiest and most time-efficient way to discover not only what ward you’re in but which polling station you should go to is by visiting this City of Hamilton link. Simply enter your community, street number and street name and click submit – it’ll show you the name of your voting location and well as its address.
Am I On The Voters List?
Being on Hamilton’s voters list is important but not mandatory. All that being on the voters list means is that the city has records that you, 1. live in Hamilton, 2. live at a particular address, 3. have been eligible to vote in the past.
If you’re not on the voters list (reasons may include that you’re new to the city, you’re living on campus at a school, you don’t have a fixed address, the list goes on!) you can still be eligible to vote! When you reach your polling station in your assumed ward, you’ll have to show identification, proof of residing in the ward (pay stub, phone bill, T4, etc.) and fill out some paperwork. The paperwork should take less than five minutes.
The easiest way to check if you’re on the voters list is by visiting this City of Hamilton link. Type in your full name, community, street number and street name and you’re done! A message at the top of the page will tell you either you’re on the list or your name and address were not found.
Who should I vote for?
Our answer still hasn’t changed, friend! There are 15 different people in this year’s mayoral race – they all bring something unique to the table. The Hamilton Spectator has done an incredible job this year of compiling and sharing information on this year’s council and mayoral candidates. We suggest taking one last browse through each candidate’s information and election issues before hitting the polls!
We hope you have a great election day, Hamilton. Here’s to the next four years!
Will you be voting today? How does today’s election differ from past elections? Let us know in the comments.
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