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"Access to Provincial Elections" Dear Mr. Parsons: This is further to the letter which you wrote to me concerning persons with disabilities. I would like to apologize to you for not replying in a more timely manner, however, we have been working on our plans for the pending general election. Over the past number of months Elections Ontario, through an outreach programme, has been in contact with many organizations representing Ontarians with disabilities. As a result of this consultation, and because we have been examining all htmlects of the election process in light of the enactment of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are presently contemplating changes to a number of our administrative procedures to facilitate access to the election process. As examples, we will be supplying ballot templates and magnifiers to every polling place, our publications issued during the election will be available in alternative formats such as large print and on audio cassette and our television ads will include closed captioning. In addition, the call centre responding to our advertised toll-free number will be equipped with a TTY machine. It is important to note, however, that it is the Election Act which provides the legislative framework for the election process and it is not within my authority to change the legislation. Please be assured, though, that this review of the process has also served to highlight areas of the legislation where, at the earliest opportunity provided to me after the election, I will be making recommendations for amendments to the Election Act. Thank you very much for bringing these important concerns to my attention. Yours sincerely, John L. Hollins Chief Election Officer |
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