Niagara Votes 2022

The next Municipal Election will be held on
Monday, October 24, 2022

VOTING INFORMATION

Internet Voting

The Council of the Township of West Lincoln has approved the use of Internet voting as an alternative method for the 2022 Municipal and Schoolboard Election. West Lincoln has decided to pursue Voatz Canada Ltd for their online election platform that stresses security and accessibility for all residents of the Township.

 Background Information

Internet voting will only be available during the advanced voting period of the election, as traditional paper ballots will still be used on elections day. Electors will be able to access the internet voting system through a browser on their personal computer, an application on their phone, or at a dedicated computer located at the Township office on 318 Canborough St, Smithville Ontario.

Electors will be mailed their traditional voter cards in the mail, with a newly included personalized and original PIN for each registered elector at the corresponding mailing address. This PIN will then allow for the elector to access the online voting platform, and cast their ballot. Voatz Canada Ltd. utilizes top-of-the-line accessibility features on all of their platforms, and will allow for the 2022 Municipal and Schoolboard election to be the most accessible and convenient election to vote in West Lincoln history.

With the use of block chain technology, localized servers, and extensive security audits, Voatz Canada Ltd. is ensuring that the election in West Lincoln is extremely secure. Careful auditing and screening procedures are in place both within the voting platform and the Township, ensuring that the anonymity, security, and accuracy of the ballot is of the highest priority. This technology can also be used on the slowest of broadband internet connections, further ensuring that all electors within West Lincoln can confidently and safely choose to vote online.

Voatz Canada Ltd. is already integrated with technologies that the Township of West Lincoln already uses, such as Datafix, which maintains the voter’s list database. This real time integration of a system the Township already uses will ensure that electors who vote online will be struck from the voting list after casting their vote, just as they would if they were using a paper ballot. This integration will remove the possibility of fraudulent “double voting”, as well as provide the Township of extremely accurate information of the election in real-time.
After the advanced polling period is over, the votes cast using the online alternative method will be audited to be made sure that there were no fraudulent attempts from within or outside of the Township to alter the results of the election. Voters will be able to verify themselves that their vote was cast with the randomized receipt the elector receives after casting the ballot through whichever virtual means they chose.

Internet Voting Dates & Voting Assistance Centre

Internet Voting:

Open during the advanced voting period only:

Monday, September 26, 2022 - Monday, October 17, 2022 *Inclusive*

Internet Voting Assistance:

Township Administrative Office - September 26, 2022 - October 17, 2022
Monday - Friday during the office hours of 10:00am - 4:00pm

How to Vote

More information regarding the online voting steps will be provided shortly. Please check back for more information. 

In-Person Voting
Traditional paper ballots and vote tabulators will still be used during selected advanced voting dates as well as on election day, October 24th, 2022.

 Advanced Voting Dates & Locations

Thursday, October 29, 2022 - 4pm-9pm
West Lincoln Community Centre
177 West Street, Smithville

Saturday, October 15, 2022 - 10am-4pm
Legion Hall
172 St. Catharines Street, Smithville

 Election Day - Monday, October 24, 2022 10am - 8pm
 
 Ward 1

Caistor Central Public School
1794 Caistor Centre Rd., Caistor Centre
Ward 2 
Gainsborough Public School
5459 Regional Rd 20, St. Ann's (Bismark)
Ward 3 
West Lincoln Community Centre
177 West St., Smithville

NEED TO KNOW

Election Overview 
When are Municipal and School Board Elections?

Municipal and School Board Elections are held every four years on the 4th Monday of October.

Who can vote in municipal elections?

Anyone can vote in a municipal election who on the day of the election is:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • A Canadian citizen; and
  • Either a resident of the municipality or a property owner or tenant or the spouse or same sex partner of an owner or tenant in the municipality during a specified time just before the election.

Who can be a candidate?

  • Candidates must be residents of the municipality or a non-resident owner or tenant of land in the municipality or the spouse of such non-resident owner or tenant;
  • A Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old;
  • Not legally prohibited from voting: and not disqualified by any legislation from holding municipal office
  • Candidates will need 25 signatures on the nomination form and must pay a fee of $100 ($200 for mayor).

Office Overview

At this election, members will be elected for the period commencing November 15, 2022 for the following Offices:

  • Mayor
  • Regional Councillor
  • Councillors (two to be elected in each of the three (3) wards)
  • School Board Trustees:
    • English Public and English Catholic
    • French Public and French Catholic
    • The Town is divided into three geographic wards (see the Ward and Polling Subdivision Map) and eligible electors in each of those wards elect two candidates to sit as Members of Council to represent their ward, as well as the greater interests of the Corporation of the Township of West Lincoln.
Election Accessibility Plan
The Township of West Lincoln is dedicated to removing barriers and providing an accessible election. The 2022 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan can be seen here.
Nomination Package
Seat at the Table 
About the Project

Despite being just over half of the Niagara population, women are underrepresented in local government, especially in senior leadership. On Regional Council, 25 per cent of councillors are women and no apparent visible minorities serve on Niagara Region or local municipal councils.

Niagara Region's Seat at the Table program aims to address barriers that women face running for municipal office and to improve the environment once elected. The goal is to increase the number of women, particularly underrepresented women, elected for municipal government in Niagara by promoting understanding, awareness and confidence through education, mentorship and support to those interested in running for election.

The program consists of four workshops that will help women and underrepresented groups feel informed and educated when making the decision to run for local government. Those elected will then be invited to participate in three sessions in 2023.

Seat at the Table will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to run a successful campaign, and if elected, support throughout their term.
By-laws and Policies

The Township of West Lincoln has created a list of the most commonly requested by-laws in relation to the 2022 Municipal and School Board Election. Don't see what you are looking for? You can request a by-law from our Clerk. If you would like to report a violation, please visit our Report a Concern page.

Commonly Requested By-laws:

Sign By-law (consolidated)

Procedures of Council and Committees

Alternative Voting Method

POL-ADMIN-01-2018 Use of Corporate Resources for Election Purposes Policy- as amended (re-Nomination Day)

Municipal Election Voting Policy & Procedure
School Board Trustee Information
 The 2022 School Board Trustee official guide can be found here, as well as found on the official government website.
Candidates Night
Information about becoming a candidate in the 2022 Municipal Election.

More information to be available soon.

Meridian Community Centre - Pelham *Options to attend virtually will be available*

100 Meridian Wy, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6

Thursday, April 28, 2022

6:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.

The recording of the Niagara Votes 2022 Candidates Night Presentation can be viewed here, or can be seen below.

 

KEY DATES FOR THE 2022 MUNICIPAL & SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION:

Thursday April 28, 2022
Candidates Night

Information about becoming a candidate in the 2022 Municipal Election.

More information to be available soon.

 

Meridian Community Centre - Pelham *Options to attend virtually will be available*

100 Meridian Wy, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6

Thursday, April 28, 2022

6:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.

 

The recording of the Niagara Votes 2022 Candidates Night Presentation can be viewed here, or can be seen below.

 
 Monday May 2, 2022
First day to file a nomination paper for the offices of Mayor, Councillor and School Board Trustee

(1) Mayor

(6) Councillors

(1) Regional Councillor

  • once the nomination paper is filed with the Clerk, the candidate can start raising and spending money on their campaign
  • preliminary spending limit provided to candidates
  • preliminary contribution limit provided to candidates running for Mayor and Councillor (does not apply to School Board Trustee candidates)

 

First day to file a notice of registration as a third party advertiser

  • a third party advertiser cannot raise or spend money on their campaign, nor begin advertising, until their registration is certified by the Clerk
  • preliminary spending limit provided to third party advertiser upon certification
 Friday August 19, 2022 @ 2:00 p.m.
 Deadline for candidates to:
  • withdraw a nomination
  • change office
 Monday August 22, 2022
  •  Final day for the Township Clerk to certify candidate nomination papers
 Thursday September 1, 2022
  •  Voters’ List available to candidates
 Monday September 26, 2022
  • Final spending limits provided to candidates and registered third party advertisers
  • Final self-contribution limit provided to candidates running for Mayor and Councillor (does not apply to School Board Trustee candidates) 
 Friday October 21, 2022
  •  Last day to register as a third party advertiser
  2022 Pre-Election Accessibility Report - Township of West Lincoln 
 2022 Municipal Election Pre-Election Accessibility Report (will be updated at a later date)