Pickering residents will be able to cast their ballot in this year's municipal election without leaving home, with online voting opening at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 19 and closing at 8 p.m. on Monday, October 26, the City of Pickering announced.
The one-week window means electors can vote at any time of day from a phone, tablet or computer with an internet connection — right up until the moment polls close on election day itself.
What you need to vote online
According to the city, voting from home takes three things: an internet-connected device, the Voter Information Package that was mailed out on October 5, and the elector's full date of birth.
Each package contains the address of the voting website along with a PIN that is unique to that elector. The PIN and date of birth together are what unlock the online ballot.
Anyone who has not received a package, or who has misplaced it, can get a replacement by visiting a Revision Centre, a Voter Assistance Centre or any voting location in the city.
Paper ballots still available
Voters who prefer a traditional paper ballot can mark one in person on Monday, October 26, which is election day. Paper voting will be available at any designated voting location in Pickering.
Those showing up in person are asked to bring identification that shows both their name and their qualifying address in Pickering.
Whether electors choose to vote online or on paper, the deadline is the same: both the virtual and physical ballot box close at 8 p.m. on October 26.
Where to get help
Full details about voting locations, hours and procedures are posted at pickering.ca/vote. Electors with questions about the election can also call the city at 905.420.4660, extension 8683.
With online voting opening on Thanksgiving Monday, residents who are spending the holiday with family can mark their ballot at the same time — no trip to a polling station required.
