For Immediate Release
November 19, 2007

ELECTIONS ONTARIO MUST LEARN FROM 2007 ELECTION PROBLEMS

It has been over a month since the Provincial Election of October 10th.

In the days leading up to, as well as on Election Day, my campaign office received many calls from frustrated constituents for a variety of concerns.

Our office heard from a number of people who have lived at the same address for many years, yet they did not receive a voter card. There were other voters who received more than one voter card with different addresses. We also received calls from residents whose voting locations were a significant travelling distance from polling stations that were minutes from where they live (and had voted in previous elections.) Some parents and teachers indicated their concerns with using elementary and high schools as polling stations. Regrettably, I also received calls from people who require assistive devices and made the effort to get out and vote, only to find that the voting station they were directed to was not fully accessible.

A common theme for many of these cases was that the process of contacting Elections Ontario and getting the proper information was onerous at best. Many of these people are long time residents of this riding and were so insulted by these errors and omissions that they refused to cast their ballot.

The complaints to my campaign office during September and early in October with regard to Elections Ontario irregularities was unprecedented. Certainly our local Returning Office has been made aware of the issues and the need to correct these errors. It is appalling to hear how poorly some people were treated in order to practice their democratic right to vote. In a time of declining voter turn-out, this is a very serious problem.

I have personally written to the Chief Electoral Officer of Elections Ontario, outlining the details of the above-mentioned concerns that many voters experienced.

I understand that providing a seamless system for millions of people has its challenges. It is essential that Elections Ontario turn this experience into an opportunity to listen; work to ensure these problems are corrected; and create a system that is fair for all.

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For More Information Contact:
Laurie Scott, MPP
705-324-6654 or 1-800-424-2490