ELECTION 2019 Making the electoral process more accessible for those living with Acquired Brain Injury

ELECTION 2019
Making the electoral process more
accessible for those living with
Acquired Brain Injury

TODAY'S TOPICS
About Brain Injury Canada and Elections Canada
The Electoral Process
Why You Should Vote
Challenges and Barriers Faced By Those With ABI
The Campaign Process
It's Our Vote - Federal election 2019
Voting - Step by Step

PRESENTERS
                     Michelle McDonald
                     Executive Director, Brain Injury Canada

                            Juan Melara-Pineda
     Senior Outreach Officer, Elections Canada

WELCOME!

 Take your time
 Pause the recording when you need to
 Take notes
 Send us questions
   info@braininjurycanada.ca

         www.braininjurycanada.ca/election2019

ABOUT BRAIN INJURY CANADA
The mission of Brain Injury Canada is to enhance the quality of life of individuals and
families/caregivers living with brain injury in Canada.

Our vision is for all individuals and families/caregivers living with the effects of brain
injury are supported, valued and engaged in their communities.

The Board, staff and volunteers of Brain Injury Canada are dedicated to facilitating post-
trauma research, education, awareness and advocacy in partnership with national,
provincial/territorial and regional associations and other stakeholders.

ABOUT ELECTIONS CANADA
Elections Canada is the independent, non-partisan agency responsible for conducting
federal elections and referendums. Their mission is to ensure that Canadians can exercise
their democratic rights to vote and be a candidate.

Elections Canada's day-to-day activities and decision making are guided by the following
key values:
   a knowledgeable and professional workforce,
   transparency in everything we do,
   responsiveness to the needs of Canadians involved in the electoral process,
   cohesiveness and consistency in administering the Canada Elections Act,
   continuously earning and maintaining the public's trust,
   stewardship and accountability in how we manage our resources.

WORKING TOGETHER
In preparation for the upcoming Federal Election in Fall 2019, Brain Injury
Canada is collaborating with Elections Canada to achieve an accessible and
inclusive electoral process for those with acquired brain injury.

ELECTION 2019

The Electoral Process

DURING A FEDERAL ELECTION
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the following democratic
rights:

   Every Canadian citizen has the right to vote in an election.

   Every Canadian citizen has the right to run for office in an election.

   An election must take place at least once every five years.

   Elected representatives must meet at least once a year.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN THE ELECTORAL PROCESS?
1. Dissolution

The Governor General ends Parliament on the request of the Prime Minister and directs
that the writs of election be issued.

The Chief Electoral Officer issues the writs. These direct Elections Canada officials, called
returning officers, to hold an election in each riding.

Elections Canada sends preliminary lists of voters to the returning officers.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN THE ELECTORAL PROCESS?
2. Candidates

Once an election is called, each party decides who its candidate will be in each riding. A
candidate can also run for election without a party, as either “independent” or “no
affiliation.”

3. Campaigning

During the campaign period, candidates try to convince voters that they are the best
choice to represent them in Parliament.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN THE ELECTORAL PROCESS?
4. Voting

The most common way to vote is at the polls on election day. Electors must prove their
identity and address before getting a ballot. They then go behind a voting screen to
privately mark their ballot. Election workers must follow strict procedures to ensure the
secrecy of the vote.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN THE ELECTORAL PROCESS?

5. Counting

Once the polling stations close, Elections Canada officials open the ballot boxes and count
the ballots.

The candidate who receives the most votes in the riding becomes its member of
Parliament (MP) and represents it in the House of Commons.

The political party that has the most MPs usually forms the government and the leader of
the political party with the most MPs typically becomes the prime minister.

ELECTION 2019

Why should you vote?

YOUR VOTE COUNTS
Your vote is your voice! Voting for the candidate of your choice is
a privilege of our democracy that is not an option to many people
across the world.

By casting your vote, you are:

    choosing a candidate you think will best represent you and what important to you,
    engaged and informed in the electoral process,
    supporting democracy and everything it stands for,
    showing your responsibility and interest to how the country is run,
    stating a vested interest in the future of Canada.

YOUR VOTE COUNTS
Elections have been won by just a few votes, so every vote matters.
Even if the candidate you choose does not win, your vote shows where your
support lies and this can help shape the government’s decisions.

BRAIN INJURY AND
THE ELECTORAL
PROCESS

Challenges and barriers faced by those with ABI

BRAIN INJURY CANADA ONLINE SURVEY
In February 2019, an online survey
about past experience with the electoral
process was developed and distributed
in both French and English to the 60+
provincial and community brain injury
associations across Canada for
dissemination to their members.

The results give insight into the
experience of Canadians across the
country and the barriers they face.

CHALLENGES FOR THOSE WITH ABI WITH
ACCESS TO INFORMATION
 The way information is presented:
    Too many acronyms,
    Not written in plain language,
    Lack of visual aids to support written content,
    Not enough content in video format which can be easier to view,
    large volumes of information presented at one time.
 Websites are hard to navigate, cluttered and too overwhelming
 Content is not all accessible by screen readers
 Platforms are confusing, making it hard to figure out where candidates stand on some
 issues
 Candidates do not make the time to come in person to disability organizations

CHALLENGES FOR THOSE WITH ABI WITH THE
CAMPAIGN PROCESS
 Events are not always accessible
 Candidates speak too quickly
 Large crowd size and noise is an issue for those with sensory issues
 Many people get anxious and overwhelmed and lose track of the actual discussion
 Events are often not streamed online (would enable some to attend virtually and watch at
 their own pace)
 Events are often held in the evening which is a challenge for those with fatigue
 Transportation to events is a challenge and not always available
 People face anxiety about speaking in front of large crowds, but still want to be able to
 voice their questions
 Some events are last minute and people do not have time to prepare to attend

CHALLENGES FOR THOSE ABI WITH THE VOTING
PROCESS
 People feel they don’t have time to vote and feel pressured by line ups.
 The ballot is confusing and cluttered. The list of names and parties displayed all on one page can
 be overwhelming.
 Voting booths are small causing issues for those with mobility impairments and spatial
 sensitivities.
 Polling stations are loud, lighting is too bright and there are too many people.
 Polling station workers are not aware of the invisible nature of some disabilities. Those in
 wheelchairs are moved to the front of the line.
 People feel anxious approaching workers for help.
 People with communication challenges are often treated with frustration or impatience.
 People have not been allowed to bring a companion for support right to the voting booth.
  Sometimes it is for balance or mobility issues, and sometimes it is for anxiety.
 Include accessible voting booths that have rails or stabilizers to help those with mobility issues.
 People forget what accessible voting aids are available and they are not clearly posted

ELECTION 2019

The Campaign Process

FINDING YOUR CANDIDATE
Find a candidate that cares about the same things you do. We all have different interests and we
want a candidate that will represent those interests.

           Economy                             Taxes                       Human Rights

           Education                           Childcare                    Accessibility

           Environment                         Healthcare                   Military

            Housing                            Employment                   Immigration

FINDING YOUR CANDIDATE
 Decide what you are looking for in a candidate.
 Find out about the candidates
 Gather materials about the candidates
 Evaluate candidates' stance on issues
 Learn about the candidates' leadership abilities
 Learn how other people view the candidate

     Visit www.elections.ca to find the list of candidates

COMMUNICATING WITH CANDIDATES
 Write a letter to your candidate by mail or by email
 If you are comfortable, call or drop by their campaign office. While you may not be
 able to meet with the candidate directly, a meeting with one of their staff can be
 very effective.
 Contact the candidates in your riding to see if they have an accessibility policy and if
 they have staff designated to accessibility.

COMMUNICATING WITH CANDIDATES
 Ask for communications in formats that work for you.

 Ask for a listing of all campaign events in advance so you can plan which ones you

 would like to attend based on your needs.

 Offer to educate candidates on the challenges faced by those living with ABI in
 Canada, and more specifically in their riding.

ATTENDING DEBATES, MEETINGS AND TOWN HALLS
 Make your accessibility needs known prior to attending the event i.e. preferred
 seating, quieter area, person designated for accessibility - There is no guarantee
 they will make these accommodations, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
 Ask if there is an option to livestream the event.
 Ask for a recording of the event and if it will be made available so you can view it at
 your own pace.
 Ask for key messages to be available in plain and clear language.

ATTENDING DEBATES, MEETINGS AND TOWN HALLS
 If you find you are fatigued in the evenings, ask the candidates for a listing of events
 that take place in the morning or afternoon.
 If you have a question for a candidate but are not comfortable asking in front of a
 crowd, ask a staffer at the event to ask the question on your behalf.
 If you have a hard time following the dialogue of a long campaign event, contact the
 campaign office after and ask if a transcript is available.
 See if your local brain injury associations have any campaign related activities
 happening that you can get involved in.

FEDERAL
               ELECTION   2019

elections.ca
#ItsOurVote
                                 EC 90345 (02/2019)

FEDERAL
ELECTION
           2019

      Federal election overview

      Elections Canada is the non-partisan agency responsible for ensuring that
      Canadians can exercise their democratic rights to vote and be a candidate.

      • There are 338 ridings in Canada – you vote for a candidate running in your
        riding

      Elections Canada informs voters on when, where and the ways to register and
      vote in a federal election.

      Visit elections.ca for the official information you need to vote.

    elections.ca
    #ItsOurVote

FEDERAL
ELECTION
           2019

      Who can vote?

      To vote in a federal election, you must:
      • be a Canadian citizen
      • be at least 18 years old on election day
      • prove your identity and address

    elections.ca
    #ItsOurVote

FEDERAL
ELECTION
           2019

      What is voter registration?

      Elections Canada maintains a National Register of Electors.

      • It is a permanent, continually updated database of Canadians who are
        qualified to vote in federal elections
      • We use the register to create lists of electors for a federal election

      All registered electors receive a voter information card in the mail from
      Elections Canada after the election is called. It tells them where and when they
      can vote.

      Safeguarding personal information
      Elections Canada secures Canadians’ personal information in the National
      Register of Electors by using firewalls, data encryption and procedural controls.

    elections.ca
    #ItsOurVote

FEDERAL
ELECTION
           2019

      How to register

      You can register before or when you go to vote.

      1. Register before you go to vote:
           – Online: Visit elections.ca and use the Voter Registration Service to register or
             update your voter information.
           – By mail: Call us at 1-800-463-6868 and we’ll send you a registration form.

      2. Register when you go to vote:
           – At any Elections Canada office across Canada, before the Tuesday before
             election day, 6:00 p.m.
           – At your assigned polling station on election day or advance polling days

    elections.ca
    #ItsOurVote

FEDERAL
ELECTION
           2019

      Watch for your
      voter information card
     Your voter information card tells you:
     • where and when you can vote;
     • the accessibility of your assigned polling stations on election day and advance
       polling days; and
     • how to request voting assistance in advance, including language and sign
       language interpretation.

     Check the name and address on the card
     If there are errors, or if you don’t receive a card, visit elections.ca or call
     1-800-463-6868 to update your voter information. You can also update your
     information when you go to vote.

    elections.ca
    #ItsOurVote

FEDERAL
ELECTION
           2019

      Have your ID ready to vote

      You have three options to prove your identity and address:
      Option 1:
      Show one piece of government-issued ID with your photo, name and current address.
      For example: your driver’s licence.

      Option 2:
      Show two pieces of ID. Both must have your name, and at least one must have your current
      address. For example: your voter information card and a bank statement, or a utility bill and
      your student ID card. The complete list of accepted ID is available at elections.ca.

      Option 3:
      If you don’t have ID, you can still vote if you declare your identity and address in writing and
      have someone who knows you and who is assigned to your polling station vouch for you.
      The voucher must be able to prove their identity and address. A person can vouch for only one
      person (except in long-term care institutions).

    elections.ca
    #ItsOurVote

FEDERAL
ELECTION
            2019

      Voter ID
      Helpful tips

           • Elections Canada accepts original ID cards and documents, including
             e-statements and e-invoices.
           • For documents issued electronically, print them or show them on a mobile
             device.
           • New: Your voter information card can be used as proof of address, along with
             another piece of accepted ID.

    elections.ca
    #ItsOurVote

FEDERAL
ELECTION
           2019

      Ways you can vote

      You can vote almost any time during the election period.

      1. On election day
           Your assigned polling station will be open for 12 hours (hours vary by province).
      2. On advance polling days
           Your assigned polling station will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the Friday,
           Saturday, Sunday and Monday the week before election day.
      3. At any Elections Canada office across Canada
           Go to any Elections Canada office before the Tuesday before election day, 6:00 p.m.
           You will vote using the special ballot process.
           Once the election is called, visit elections.ca or call us to find the office nearest you.

    elections.ca
    #ItsOurVote

FEDERAL
ELECTION
           2019

      Ways you can vote

      4. By mail

           Apply at elections.ca before the Tuesday before election day, 6:00 p.m. to receive a
           special ballot voting kit in the mail.

           •   Don’t wait! You need to allow enough time for your voting kit to reach you and for
               you to return your marked ballot to Elections Canada by election day.
           •   Can’t apply online? Call us at 1-800-463-6868 or visit any Elections Canada office
               across Canada.

      Other ways to vote
      You may be eligible to vote another way, such as at home.
      Visit elections.ca or call us for more information.

    elections.ca
    #ItsOurVote

FEDERAL
ELECTION
           2019

      Where you can vote

      If you vote on election day or advance polling days, you will vote at an
      assigned polling station in your riding.
      To find out where your assigned polling station is located:
      • check your voter information card; or
      • visit elections.ca and enter your postal code into the Voter Information Service
        box.
      Can’t vote at your assigned polling station?
      There are other places you can vote. Visit elections.ca or call 1-800-463-6868 or
      1-800-361-8935 (TTY) for more information.

    elections.ca
    #ItsOurVote

FEDERAL
ELECTION
           2019

      Accessible polling stations

      All electors are assigned polling stations for election day and advance polling
      days. Make sure your assigned polling stations meet your accessibility needs.

      •    To find out how accessible your assigned polling stations are:
           − check your voter information card;
           − visit elections.ca and enter your postal code into the Voter Information Service box;
             or
           − call us at 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY).
      •    All polling stations will have either an automatic door opener or an election worker at the
           door to provide assistance.
      If your polling stations don’t meet your accessibility needs, or if you need language or sign
      language interpretation when you go to vote, call us. Deadlines apply.

    elections.ca
    #ItsOurVote

FEDERAL
ELECTION
           2019

      Voting tools and services
      on election day

      • Bigger ballot with candidate names in large print
      • Large-print and braille lists of candidates
      • Tactile and braille voting template
      • Magnifiers (4x)
      • Language and sign language interpretation
        (and other assistance upon request in advance)
      • Assistance marking your ballot
        (bring someone you know or ask an election worker)
      • Large-grip pencil

    elections.ca
    #ItsOurVote

FEDERAL
ELECTION
           2019

      Work at the election

      • Over 200,000 Canadians across the country are hired during an election.
        Jobs are paid and training is provided.
      • To work at an election, you need to:
           – be a Canadian citizen
           – be at least 16 years old
           – remain non-partisan

      Learn more and apply online at elections.ca.

    elections.ca
    #ItsOurVote

FEDERAL
ELECTION
           2019

      Contact Elections Canada

      • Visit elections.ca
      • Call us
            – Tel: 1-800-463-6868
            – TTY: 1-800-361-8935
            – During the election period, we offer language interpretation services by phone.
      • Social media
            –      Twitter: Elections Canada @ElectionsCan_E
            –      Facebook: ElectionsCanE
            –      Instagram: electionscan-e
            –      YouTube and LinkedIn: Elections Canada

      Elections Canada welcomes Video Relay System (VRS) calls.

    elections.ca
    #ItsOurVote

BRAIN INJURY AND
THE ELECTORAL
PROCESS

VOTING - STEP BY STEP

DECIDING WHICH OPTION IS RIGHT FOR YOU
There are a few things that you need to take into consideration when deciding which
voting option is right for you:

   What does your schedule look like on Election Day? If you have doctor's appointments
   or other commitments, you may want to consider advanced voting options.
   Do you have transportation to and from the polling station?
   If you need an attendant or friend, are they available on election day to go with you? If
   they are not located in the same riding, they need to be able to make time to vote.
   Do you need child care while you are voting?

DECIDING WHICH OPTION IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Your accessibility needs:

    Will you have to stand in line for a long period of time?
    Light and sound sensitivity may be aggravated by the environment of the
    polling station.
    Do you have the physical and cognitive stamina to visit a polling station?
    Does standing in crowded areas give you anxiety?
    If you have short-term memory deficits, will this be an issue if you are voting at
    the polls?

VOTING - STEP BY STEP
Step 1
When you arrive at the polling station, an election worker will be there to greet you and
direct you to the right table to pick up your ballot. Tell them if you need assistance. If you
have trouble standing, ask them to bring a chair.

Step 2
Once you are at the right table, a worker will ask for your ID to confirm your name and
address. They will check your name on the voters list if you were registered, or add your
name, if not.

Step 3
The election work will write their initials on a ballot, fold it and hand it to you.

VOTING - STEP BY STEP
Step 4
Take your ballot behind a voting screen. If you need more space for your walker or
wheelchair, ask a worker to make these accommodations. Mark the candidate you want to
vote for with an X or another clear mark. Take all the time you need and don't feel pressured
if there is a line. Re-fold your ballot.

Step 5
Head back to the election worker who gave you your ballot. They’ll take it, tear off a tab,
and hand it back to you.

Step 6
Put your ballot in the box at the table.

Thank you for watching

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get updates
     and reminders throughout the election.

 www.facebook.com/braininjurycanada   @braininjury_CAN

Find your provincial or local brain injury association
Provincial and local brain injury associations are available across
Canada and are ready to provide support, information, education,
advocacy, and a variety of programs and services to those affected by
acquired brain injury.
          www.braininjurycanada.ca/abi-associations

Every vote counts!

www.braininjurycanada.ca