Hamilton residents have one final opportunity this weekend to participate in advance voting, with early data indicating a lower voter turnout compared to the previous municipal election in 2022.
According to city officials, a total of 18,599 advance ballots were cast over the initial two weeks of advance voting. This figure includes 8,864 votes during the weekend of October 10 and 11, and 7,310 votes during the weekend of October 3 and 4. These numbers incorporate ballots cast at both ballot-on-demand and special ballot locations.
The current advance voting turnout is significantly below the 30,893 ballots cast during the same period in the 2022 election.
Despite efforts to enhance voting accessibility after the 2022 pilot, which saw a voter turnout of 35.38%, with 143,375 ballots cast out of 405,288 eligible voters, the advanced voter participation this year has been noticeably lower.
The city had expanded voting options ahead of the election day on October 26, including additional Ballot on Demand locations, allowing voters to cast their ballots irrespective of their ward of residence.
The Ballot on Demand initiative was initially tested in 2022 at various locations such as post-secondary institutions, shelters, and the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, with approximately 325 individuals utilizing the program at that time.
The final weekend for advance voting this year will take place on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with one designated location in each ward. In addition, voters can visit Hamilton City Hall from October 19 to 23 to access the city’s final Ballot on Demand location.
To participate in the election process, voters are not required to present a voter card but must bring one form of identification displaying their name and home address. Eligible voters must be Canadian citizens at least 18 years old, residing in Hamilton, owning or renting property in the city, or being the spouse of a qualifying individual. Voting options include selecting a mayor, city council members, and school board trustees where applicable.
Election day is scheduled for October 26, with most polling stations open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can obtain detailed polling information for their respective ward on the official website.