An election is your chance to be heard, so use it. Voting is a right and a responsibility. Even if you aren’t eligible to vote (for example, if you’re not a Canadian citizen), you can still have an influence.
Learn as much as you can about the issues. Ask candidates where they stand. They want and need votes and public support, so they need to earn them. Their job is to work for you and for the rest of the public.
Choosing the Candidates
At meetings or when candidates come to your door, you can ask:
- What will you and your party do to see that all older Ontarians can get high quality home care they can afford?
- How are you going to make that happen?
- What new services do you want to put in place? What current ones do you want to keep?
- Which people will they serve? How will you know what is working?
- How will you consult with older adults and others in the community so that you know you are getting it right?
- How will your government use funding for home and community care? How will you be sure it can be used only for home and community care?
- If you don’t have answers now, when will you have them? How will you let us know?
These questions are a starting point. You may have others of your own. What is important is that you demand real answers. If an answer sounds too vague, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to ask until you are satisfied.
When you find a candidate you can support, let others know. Talk to your family, your friends and neighbours, your co-workers, others in your community or network. Spread the word so that we choose officials who will promote home and community care for older Ontarians.
Casting Your Vote
Federal Elections:
On the Elections Canada website, enter your postal code in the Voter Information Service box to find your federal electoral district. Under Voter Registration Service, register or update your voting information.
Ontario Elections:
On the Elections Ontario website, go to Find your Electoral District page, where you can enter your postal code in the Voter Information Service search box. Select the Voter Registration tab to add, update, or confirm your voting information.
Municipal Elections:
Every four years, Ontario elects municipal councillors. Although municipal elections don’t get as much attention as federal and provincial ones, they directly affect older Ontarians’ ability to live independently, because municipalities control or strongly influence a wide range of services. Like all political decision makers, municipal councillors must earn our votes. Learn why we need to pay attention to municipalities.
During municipal elections, Elections Ontario can also provide information on your ward or voting district, but also check your local municipal website. In Toronto, the municipal and provincial ridings/wards are the same; other municipalities may have different boundaries.
Below are links and information on where to find election information for 10 municipalities. In general, the Office of the City Clerk or the City Manager will provide election-related information once the campaign is under way.
Care Watch 