TOWNSHIP OF LIMERICK
ACCESSIBILITY PLAN REGARDING IDENTIFICATION, REMOVAL AND PREVENTION OF BARRIERS THAT AFFECT ELECTORS AND CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIES
Introduction
The Township of Limerick has made great efforts to support a barrier-free 2022 Municipal and School Board Election that is consistent with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
The use of technology has provided the people the advantage of accessing information on demand and performing activities in a convenient and effective method. Everyday technologies including computers, telephones, smartphones, touchscreens, and other tools present opportunities for persons with disabilities to accomplish more while being consistent with standard principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity.
Objectives
The Township of Limerick strives to provide universal accessibility while promoting independence and empowerment in election participation by ensuring:
- That persons with disabilities are able to independently cast their vote and verify their selection
- That persons with disabilities have full and equal access to all information on where and when to vote and on eligible candidates
- That persons with disabilities can fully participate in the Municipal Election as an elector, candidate, or election official
- That all Voter Help Centre locations are accessible
Voting Methods
Township of Limerick has secured Intelivote Systems Inc. to provide eVoting services to eligible voters for the 2022 Municipal Election. This allows for convenient, independent voting from anywhere via telephone, internet or in-person at a Voter Help Centre during the October 17 – 24, 2022 voting period.
By allowing persons with disabilities to vote from any location and from a selection of methods, there is an increase in the capability for the voter to vote without any assistance. This provides persons with disabilities the same independence and privacy in participating in the election as other voters. If persons with disabilities do require assistance in the voting process, trained Election Officials will be present at in-person at the Voter Help Centre.
Telephone Voting
Eligible voters may vote using a touch-tone telephone, and the toll-free telephone number, and the PIN number contained in their Voter Information Letter to access an audio ballot. Communications barriers can make it difficult for people to receive or convey information. Barriers may be identified as low volume, use of language that is not clear or plain, and confusing or unorganized menu options.
The Intelivote telephone voting application provides the following:
- Service on all types of touch tone phones and wireless devices
- Clear, plain language
- Menu options that are easy to follow, advising when to select options and provision of confirmation of the voter’s selections
- Standard volume is used to allow for adjustment dependent of the telephone or device being utilized
Internet Voting
Eligible voters may vote online, using a smart phone, tablet device, gaming device or computer and any accompanying assistive devices or software, along with their PIN and qualifying information, to access the internet address provided in their Voter Instruction Letter.
The Intelivote System has been created to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG-2 Level AA), so that persons with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate and interact with the online voting system. It is compliant with the guidelines of the World Wide Web Consortium website principles, which include organization, functionality and readability of information provided, as well as alternative ways of representing information, such as with audio.
Internet Voting at a Voter Help Centre
For those individuals without means to access voting via telephone or Internet, or who require the assistance of an Election Assistant/Official Voter Help Centres will be open to provide in-person internet voting opportunities via a laptop or tablet(s).
Access to the Revision/Voter Help Centre (89 Limerick Lake Rd., Gilmour ON) shall be level and slip-resistant. Any doormats or carpeting shall be level with the floor to prevent potential tripping hazards. The voting area shall be well lit and seating shall be available. Entrance corridors shall be clear of obstructions and tripping hazards and will allow sufficient space for use of a wheelchair or scooter.
Voters may attend the Revision/Voter Help Centre being offered during the voting period at the Municipal Office (89 Limerick Lake Rd., Gilmour, ON) and will be open as follows:
October 17th to October 21st from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
October 24th from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Accessibility of Revision Centre/Voter Help Centre
The clerk shall ensure the Revision Centre/Voter Help Centre is accessible to candidates and electors with disabilities. The entire building, including the outside of 89 Limerick Lake Rd., Gilmour, ON is designated as a Revision/Voter Help Centre which is fully accessible for persons with disabilities.
Entrance and Exit
The Revision/Voter Help Centre shall be identified with clear and understandable signage. The route to the entrance shall be unobstructed and accessible. The route shall be wide enough to allow for an individual using a wheelchair, scooter, other assistive device, or service animal to travel safely. Doors into the Revision/Voting Centre location shall be accessible and easy to open or shall remain propped open for the duration of the Revision/Voter Help Centre hours. Routine check of entrance and exit routes will be made throughout the hours of operation.
Parking
Revision Centre/Voter Help Centre (89 Limerick Lake Rd., Gilmour, ON)
Accessible parking for people with disabilities is provided close to the entrance of the Revision Centre/Voter Help Centre. Accessible parking spaces are clearly posted and will be monitored to ensure they are not improperly occupied.
Voting Assistance
Election Officials
Election officials who are responsible for conducting an election must have regard for the needs of electors and candidates with disabilities. Upon request, Election Officials will be available to assist any voter who requires assistance in casting their vote during the voting period. All individuals working in the capacity of an Election Official are formally appointed as such and administered an oath of secrecy prior to voting day.
Support Person/Friend of the Voter
People with disabilities shall be permitted to be accompanied by a support person at any Voter Help Centre location. A designated support person and/or “Friend of the Voter” will be administered an oath of secrecy by an Election Official prior to providing any such assistance.
Service Animals
Individuals requiring service animals are permitted to be accompanied by a service animal at the Voter Help Centre location.
Communication
This Accessibility Plan will be made available at the Municipal Office and by way of the Township of Limerick website www.limerick.ca. Alternative formats will be made available upon request.
Information regarding the accessibility measures provided for the 2022 Municipal Election shall be included in the general election advertising as well as in the 2022 Municipal Election Procedures Manual.
Election Materials
The Township of Limerick is required, as per the Accessible Customer Service Standard, to provide a copy of a document to a person with a disability, or the information contained in the document, in a format that takes into account the person’s disability.
Alternate Formats
Alternate formats are other ways of publishing information beside regular print. Some of these formats can be used by everyone while others are designed to address the specific needs of the user.
The Township of Limerick and the person with a disability may agree upon the format to be used for the document or information.
In the event the information is not generated by the Township of Limerick or is supplied by a third party, the Township of Limerick will make every effort to obtain the information from the third party in an alternate format.
General Election Materials
Large Print – Printed material generated by the Township of Limerick will be provided in an Arial font, minimum 11 point, and can be made available in a font (print) size that is 16 to 20 points or larger.
Website – Information generated by the Township of Limerick on the website in relation to the election will be compliant with WCAG 2.0 Level AA, and allow for assistive software to be utilized. In addition, website font can be adjusted within the browser’s functionality to aid the user in reading the information.
Video – Promotional and educational videos created for the 2022 municipal election shall incorporate audio and captioning.
Service Disruptions
From time to time and/or for unforeseen circumstances beyond the Township of Limericks control, temporary service disruptions may be experience. In the event of a temporary accessible service disruption, Election Officials will commit to making reasonable efforts to ensure that services are reinstated as quickly as possible and that alternative services are provided where feasible.
In these instances of service disruptions, the Township of Limerick shall provide reasonable notice in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in the facilities or services usually used by persons with disabilities.
Notice of these temporary disruptions shall be provided in a conspicuous place and manner at the respective location(s) and information shall also be posted on the Township of Limerick Website. This notice shall include information about the reason for disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.
Accessible services in relation to this plan include voting places, election materials and/or voting provision for Electors with disabilities at the voting place.
In the event of disruptions to service or unforeseen circumstances that affect the accessibility of the voting place during the advance vote or on Election Day, notices of disruption will be posed in real time on the Township of Limerick website and election website.
Candidates
Candidates must also consider the needs of electors with disabilities. Campaign offices, materials and canvassing shall be conducted in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Reporting
Pursuant to Section 12.1 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, within 90 days after voting day, the Township of Limerick Clerk shall submit a report to Council about the identification, removal and prevention of barriers that affect electors and candidates with disabilities.
Feedback Process
Feedback about the manner in which election services are provided to persons with disabilities may be submitted to the Clerk through a variety of methods including:
- Telephone 613-474-2863
- In Person 89 Limerick Lake Rd., Gilmour, ON
- Email clerk @township.limerick.on.ca
- Mail 89 Limerick Lake Rd., Gilmour, ON K0L 1W0