Advocacy Update: Legislation Announced on a Municipal Voters' List

2020-09-21 9:54:19 AM

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – September 21, 2020 – The Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) is pleased with the Province’s announcement regarding the introduction of legislation that would create a single register of voters for municipal and provincial elections to take effect January 1st, 2024 ahead of the 2026 municipal election.

The accuracy of this list is essential to AMCTO members, who are responsible for administering local government elections. This is particularly important should alternative voting mechanisms such as internet voting or wider mail-in voting be utilized to administer an election during an emergency such as the COVID-19 health pandemic.

"We are pleased to see the government take action after years of advocacy on behalf and by our members," says AMCTO President, Rob Tremblay. "While the 2024 timeframe is disappointing, as Returning Officers are preparing for the next municipal election in 2022, AMCTO appreciates the opportunity this would provide the Association to collaborate with Elections Ontario."

This has been a leading issue for AMCTO members since 2004. After conducting research and collecting feedback from members, the Association released two position papers supporting the need for transformational change to the municipal voters’ list. In April 2019, AMCTO supported the recommendation of Ontario’s Chief Electoral Officer to make Elections Ontario responsible for municipal voters’ list.

With 2,000+ members in nearly every municipality, AMCTO’s membership includes municipal clerks who serve as municipal chief electoral officers in their respective communities and who are charged with ensuring the integrity of municipal elections. AMCTO will continue to work with members on this and will be monitoring the progress of the Bill.
 

For more information or to get involved in AMCTO's advocacy efforts, please contact:

Alana Del Greco
Manager, Policy and Government Relations
adelgreco@amcto.com


For interview or other media requests, please contact:

Jacquelyn Folville
Program Manager, Communications and Marketing
jfolville@amcto.com
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About AMCTO
 
AMCTO represents excellence in local government management and leadership. AMCTO has provided education, accreditation, leadership, and management expertise for Ontario’s municipal professionals for the past 80 years. With 2,000+ members working in municipalities across Ontario, AMCTO is Ontario’s largest voluntary association of local government professionals, and the leading professional development organization for municipal professionals.
 
AMCTO is known as 'The Municipal Experts' due to the breadth of expertise and knowledge of its members across a range of municipal operation areas and legislative issues. AMCTO is recognized as an influential voice for local government professionals regarding key management and legislative issues affecting the sector.
 
The Association continues to grow and to search out new opportunities to provide municipal professionals with the tools they need to succeed in the continually evolving municipal environment.
 
Please visit the AMCTO website for more information and details on how to become a member.

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