BLACK RIVER-MATHESON - While it's still a while before voting opens for the Matheson byelection, now's the time to make sure that you can cast a ballot.
This year, Elections Ontario took over responsibility for the voters' list for municipal elections.
To receive a voting card in the mail, eligible voters have until June 6 to add their name to the list online here.
Right now, it's to register for the preliminary voters' list, which Elections Ontario releases to the municipality. After that, people can register online or do so by visiting the municipal office, 367 Fourth Ave.
After June 6, people have to visit the municipal office to register and collect their voters identification card up to and on Aug. 12.
To update information or add your name, you'll need identification showing both your name and Ontario home address. Name change requests require two pieces of ID.
To be eligible to vote, you must be at least 18 years old on election day and be a Canadian citizen. You or your spouse must also live, rent or own property in the township, and not be otherwise prohibited by law from voting under the Municipal Elections Act or other legislation.
Advance voting for the byelection is Aug. 1-11, with voting day on Aug. 12.
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Seven council members will be elected — one mayor and one councillor in each of the six wards. Nominations for the positions are open June 1 to June 28 at 2 p.m. Nomination packages are available online here.
The byelection is in light of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s decision to declare all of the Matheson council seats vacant after council failed to meet quorum for meetings for 60 days. The little-used section of the Municipal Act hasn't been exercised since it took effect in the early 2000s.
In the last election in 2022, all but one of the council positions were acclaimed. With people only voting for one ward councillor, the voter turnout was 5.95 per cent — with 150 of the eligible 2,605 voters casting a ballot.
Confirm or register for the voters list here.
