Ontario Election Sees Low Advance Voter Turnout Amid Concerns Over Voter Information Cards

Image credits: Peter Szperling/CTV News Ottawa

Ontario's provincial election is nearing, with concerns over low advance voter turnout and delayed voter information cards. According to preliminary data from Elections Ontario, only six per cent of eligible voters took advantage of advance voting, a significant decrease from previous elections. In 2022, 9.92 per cent of eligible voters cast their ballots over a period of 10 advance days, while in 2018, 6.8 per cent of voters participated over five days of advance voting. This year's advance voting period was shortened to three days, with 678,789 voters casting their ballots.

The low turnout has raised concerns about voter engagement and the potential impact on election day voting. Elections Ontario estimates that roughly 10.8 million people are eligible to vote in the election, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday. Voters can still cast their ballots at their local election office until Wednesday, and can vote until 9 p.m. at their assigned location on election day. However, some voters have expressed confusion about the voting process due to delayed voter information cards, which were mailed via Canada Post between February 17 and 22. Canada Post has attributed the delays to the recent snowstorm, which has affected mail delivery across the province.

Despite the challenges, Elections Ontario has assured voters that they can still cast their ballots without a voter information card. Voters can bring a piece of identification with their name and current home address to their assigned voting location, which can be found on the Elections Ontario website. The website also provides information on voting hours, candidates, and electoral districts. Additionally, voters can contact their local election office for assistance. Some voters have taken to social media to help spread awareness about the voting process and encourage others to participate.

The Ontario election has also seen a shift in public opinion, with new polling data showing Doug Ford's Progressive Conservatives leading with 46 per cent support, followed by Bonnie Crombie's Liberals at 25 per cent, Marit Stiles and the NDP at 21 per cent, and Mike Schreiner's Green Party at eight per cent. The poll represents a slight shift from public opinion at the beginning of the campaign, with the PCs down four points, the Greens up two, and both the Liberals and NDP seeing a one-point boost. The election has also seen concerns over voter disengagement, with some experts attributing the low turnout to the shortened election period and disrupted mail services.

Here are some key points to note for voters: * Election Day is Thursday, February 27, with polling stations open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. * Voters can cast their ballots at their assigned voting location or at their local election office until Wednesday. * Voters can find their assigned voting location on the Elections Ontario website. * Voters can bring a piece of identification with their name and current home address to vote. * International ID or permanent resident cards will not be accepted as ID. * A government-issued ID includes a birth certificate, marriage certificate, Ontario health card, Canadian passport, Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, Citizenship Card, Certificate of Indian Status, Certification of Naturalization, firearms licence, Old Age Security identification card, or a birth certificate from a Canadian province or territory. * Other pieces of ID accepted include a blood donor card, credit/debit card, diplomatic or special passport, hospital records, a student card or a union card/professional licence. * Students can vote in the electoral district of their permanent home address or in the electoral district for their address while attending school.