Welcome to the 2018 Ramara Township Municipal Election

Nomination Period Open

Please file nomination papers by July 27, 2018 at 2:00pm

Unofficial List of Candidates - Nomination Papers Filed

So you want to participate in the 2018 Municipal Election. That's great news. We hope this webpage will provide you with the information you need to know to vote or to become a candidate in the Election.

Return to this page often. We will continue to update the information as it becomes available as we move closer to the Municipal Election Day – October 22, 2018.

Key Dates

May 1, 2018 to July 26, 2018 Nomination Period – nominations will be accepted Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

May 30, 2018 Joint Compliance Audit Committee - Application Deadline

July 27, 2018 Nomination Day – last day for nominations to be accepted or withdrawn from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

September 4, 2018 to October 22, 2018 Revisions to the Voters’ List

September 20, 2018 Candidate Information Sessions conducted by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs

October 12, 2018 Voting period begins at 12:01 a.m.

October 22, 2018 Voting closes at 8:00 p.m.

December 1, 2018 to November 14, 2022 New term of Office

What's New

Endorsement Signatures on Nomination Papers

Nomination papers submitted by candidates running in the 2018 municipal election must be endorsed by at least 25 qualified persons. A nomination paper lacking 25 signatures cannot be accepted by the Clerk.

Form 2 – Endorsement of Nomination

** A qualified person is someone who is eligible to vote in Ramara if an election was to be held on the day the person endorsed the nomination paper.

Method of Voting

The Township of Ramara will be using telephone/internet voting in 2018.

Eligible electors must be on the Voters' List in order to receive their personalized Voter Information Letter which includes your 8 digit PIN, internet voting website address and 1-800- number to use phone voting, phone assistance and other election information.

Telephone or Internet voting is easy and convenient. Voters can vote from anywhere at any time between 12:00 a.m. October 12, 2018 and October 22, 2018 at 8:00 p.m.

Here's how it works…….

VOTE BY INTERNET

VOTE BY TELEPHONE

Open up the Internet
In the address bar, type in the internet voting website address provided in your Voter Instruction Letter
The website will display the Township's name and the timeframe for voting. Click “Continue" to proceed to vote
When prompted enter the PIN provided in your Voter Instruction Letter and your date of birth.
Click the box below to confirm you are not a robot. You may be prompted with a Human Interface Challenge (click all the squares in which the specified item appears)
Once validated, you will be presented with the positions you are eligible to vote for (Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillor, and/or School Board Trustee)
Click “View Ballot" for each position to cast your vote.
You will be given the opportunity to confirm or change each selection before submitting your vote for each position
When finished voting, click “Logout" or exit out of the internet

Your ballot has been cast

Dial the 1-800 number provided in your Voter Information Letter

When prompted, enter your PIN provided in your Voter Information Letter

You will then hear the first race and the associated list of candidates for your ward

You will be prompted to select your candidate of choice by pressing the number corresponding to the candidate; (e.g. to select Candidate XYZ press 5

to select Candidate ABC press 6)

Your selection will be confirmed after each selection and you will be given the opportunity to change or confirm your selection

You will be able to repeat the list anytime for clarification.

You will then hear a message thanking you for voting and the Voters' List will reflect that you have voted and no further access to the system will be permitted.

Assistance will be provided at the Help Centres for:

Questions regarding the election
Checking Voters' List to ensure that you are registered to vote
Receiving or replacing a PIN;
Assistance with voting

More information will be provided in the spring of 2018 regarding the locations of the Help Centres.

Financial Information

An individual may contribute up to $1,200 to one candidate. You may donate to more than one candidate, however, total contributions to multiple candidates from one individual cannot exceed $5,000.

Contributions by corporations and trade unions to candidates, including the contribution of goods and services, are now prohibited unless registered as a third party advertiser.

While contributions to candidates by corporations and trade unions are prohibited, individuals, corporations and trade unions may contribute to third party advertisers. Money, goods and services are all considered contributions. The maximum contribution that may be made to a third party advertiser is $1,200. Additionally, a contributor may not contribute more than $5,000 to two or more third party advertisers who are registered and undertaking advertising in the same municipality.

Third Party Advertising

Ontario residents, corporations and trade unions that will incur expenses for advertisements related to the promotion, support or opposition of a candidate, or take a position on a “yes” or “no” question on the ballot, in any broadcast, print, electronic, or other medium must register as a third party advertiser. A registered third party is subject to many of the requirements as that of a candidate including filing registration papers, expense limits, financial statements, and are subject to the municipal election sign by-law.
No paid election advertising outside of a candidate or registered third party is permitted.

Who can register as a third party advertiser?
The following persons and entities are permitted to file a notice of registration:
•   An individual who is normally a resident in Ontario.
•   A corporation that carries on business in Ontario.
•   A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario.

Who cannot register as a third party advertiser?
The following are not permitted to register as a Third Party Advertiser:
•   Individuals who have filed nomination papers with the Municipal Clerk or designate;
•   Federal and provincial political parties, constituency associations, registered candidates and leadership contestants; and,
•   Federal and provincial governments, a municipality or school board.
Third party advertisers may not spend more than the limit calculated by the Clerk using a formula established by the Minister of Municipal Affairs. The limit is determined using the total number of electors identified on the Voters' List as of Nomination Day in 2014. The limit will be identified on a Certificate of Maximum Permitted Expenses and will be issued on or before September 25, 2018.
Third party advertisers can only incur expenses during the campaign period, which begins on the day the third party advertiser registers with the Clerk and ends on December 31, 2018.
A third party may register with the Clerk’s Department from May 1, 2018 to October 19, 2018. Further information and registration packages will be made available prior to May 1, 2018.

Third Party Campaign Finances
An individual, corporation, or trade union cannot raise or spend any money on third party advertisements that will appear during an election in the Township of Ramara until they have registered as a third party and opened a bank account exclusively for the purposes of the election campaign.
Registered third parties are responsible for keeping records of the financial activities related to their campaign and are required to keep these records until November 2022 when the next council or school board takes office.

Third Party Financial Contributions
Campaign contributions are any money, goods or services that are given to a registered third party for use in their campaign, including money and goods that a third party contributes to their own campaign. Registered third parties must issue a receipt for every contribution they receive. The receipt should show who made the contribution, the date, and the value of the contribution.
The following persons and entities may make a contribution to a registered third party:
•   Any person who is a resident of Ontario.
•   A corporation that carries on business in Ontario.
•   A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario.
•   The registered third party and, in the case of an individual, his or her spouse.
The following persons and entities shall not make a contribution to a registered third party:
•   A federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act (Canada) or any federal constituency association or registered candidate at a federal election endorsed by that party.
•   A provincial political party, constituency association, registered candidate or leadership contestant registered under the Election Finances Act.
•   The Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or a local board.
Individuals may contribute a total of $1,200 to a registered third party in relation to third party advertisements that appear during an election in the Township of Ramara. Individuals may not contribute more than $5,000 in total to two or more registered third parties registered in the Township of Ramara.

Contributions greater than $25 may not be made in cash. All contributions above $25 must be made by cheque, money order, or by a method that clearly shows where the funds come from.

Registered third parties are required to inform each of their contributors of these contribution limits.

Third Party Financial statements
Registered third parties are responsible for filing a complete and accurate financial statement by Friday, March 29, 2019, at 2 pm. The statement covers the period from the day the registered third party filed their Notice of Registration until December 31, 2018.

Third Party Campaigning and Sign Restrictions
Please refer to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 for regulations.
Also view Ramara's Election Sign Bylaw 2018.17

I want to be a Candidate

Eligible Offices

Offices to be elected on October 22, 2018:

Mayor (additional responsibilities at Simcoe County Council)
Deputy Mayor (additional responsibilities at Simcoe County Council)
One Councillor to represent each Ward (5).
Trustee, Simcoe County District School Board (English Public)
Trustee, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (English Catholic)
Conseiller(ére), Conseil Scolaire Viamonde (French Public)
Conseiller(ére), Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir (French Catholic)

The term of Council will begin on December 1, 2018 and end on November 14, 2022.

Are you qualified to be a candidate?

To be a candidate for Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or Councillor, you must be:

A resident of the Township of Ramara, or an owner or tenant of land in the Township, or the spouse of such an owner or tenant
A Canadian Citizen
At least 18 years old on October 22, 2018
Not prohibited from voting by law

To be a candidate for school board trustee, you must be:

A Canadian citizen
At least 18 years old
A resident within the Board's area of jurisdiction
A supporter of that school board
Not legally prohibited from voting

Registering as a Candidate

To run for the office of Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillor or School Board Trustee, candidates must file Nomination Papers.

Form 1 – Nomination Paper

Form 2 – Endorsement of Nomination

Nomination Papers may be filed at the Township of Ramara Administration Centre Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from May 1, 2018 to July 26, 2018 and on Friday, July 27, 2018 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

To file, please bring the following information:

A completed copy of your nomination paper
Acceptable identification for proof of identity and residence
Filing Fee

Mayor - $200
Deputy Mayor, Councillor or Trustee - $100

Endorsement by at least 25 persons, including a prescribed declaration by each of the persons endorsing the nomination (Not applicable to Trustees)
Sign Deposit Fee - $100

Once nomination papers have been filed, a candidate's campaign period begins.

Candidates for School Board Trustee should register at the City of Orillia.

Please note: no money can be raised or spent in regard to a campaign until nomination papers have been filed.

Endorsement Signatures on Nomination Papers

(Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or Councillor only)

Form 1 – Nomination Paper
Form 2 – Endorsement of Nomination

** A qualified person is someone who is eligible to vote in Ramara if an election was to be held on the day the person endorsed the nomination paper.

Filing Fee

A filing fee is required when submitting Nomination Papers.

Mayor - $200
Deputy Mayor, Councillor, or School Board Trustee - $100

This fee will be returned if the candidate's financial statement and auditor's report are filed on or before Friday, March 29, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

Accepted methods of payment are cash, debit, certified cheque or money order.

Please note that candidates are also required to submit a Sign Deposit fee of $100.

Candidate Information Sessions

Candidates and those who are interested in running for an office are encouraged to attend one of the following Candidate Information Sessions. These sessions will be conducted by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and will include a review of the responsibilities of candidates.

May 28, 2018

Catholic School Board Trustee Candidate Information Session

Board Room, Catholic Education Centre – 46 Alliance Boulevard, Barrie

5:30 p.m.

RSVP by May 25th to bmarcellus@smcdsb.on.ca or 705.722.3559 x 388

September 20, 2018

City of Orillia Administration Centre

Council Chamber

50 Andrew Street South, Orillia

705-325-1311

2:00 p.m.

September 20, 2018

Oro-Medonte Township Office

148 Line 7 South, Oro

705-487-2171

7:00 p.m.

Election Signs

Election Sign Bylaw 2018.17

Absolutely no advertising is permitted prior to nomination papers being filed with the Clerk.

All Candidates and Third Party Advertisers will be required to pay a Sign Deposit of $100 at time of registration.

Campaign Finances

All candidates are required to file a Form 4 Financial Statement – Auditor’s Report detailing the financial activities of their campaign. A candidate’s campaign period begins on the date a person files the nomination and ends on December 31, 2018.

The form must be submitted to the Clerk of the municipality in which the nomination was filed on or before March 29, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

Financial statements must include notations of all money, goods, and services accepted by or on behalf of a Candidate for their election campaign.

The Clerk will issue an estimate of Maximum Campaign Expenses to all candidates upon filing nomination papers.

I want to Vote

Voter Eligibility

A person is entitled to vote in the Ramara Municipal Election if, on voting day (Monday, October 22, 2018) he or she:

Is a Canadian Citizen;
Is a least 18 years old;
Resides in the Township of Ramara, or is the owner or tenant of land in the Township of Ramara, or the spouse of such a person; and
Is not prohibited from voting under any law.

Voter Ineligibility

The following are prohibited from voting in a municipal election:

A person serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institution
A corporation
A person acting as executor or trustee or in another representative capacity.
A person convicted of a corrupt practice described in Section 90(3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996

Are you on the Voter’s List?

You must be on the Voters' List in order to Vote. Checking the Voters' List is an important step to ensure that your name and address are listed correctly. Don't assume you are on the List – check to make sure.

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is responsible for maintaining the Voters' List. MPAC will be providing its preliminary list of electors to the Municipality in late August 2018, which will aid in the preparation of the final voters' list for Voting Day. Once the preliminary list is received by Ramara, the revision period begins.

Using the Online Voter Look-up portal at https://www.voterlookup.ca/home.aspx, you will be able to determine if you are on the voters' list and if your information is correct. If you are on the list, you will receive voting instructions in the mail in late September/early October. If your name does not appear or your information is incorrect, you will be required complete an Application to Add or Amend My Name on the Voters' List form.

Voter Identification

The following is a list of acceptable identification to have your name added to the Voters' List that must be an original, certified or notarial copy and shall show the person's name and qualifying address:

An Ontario Driver's Licence.
An Ontario Health Card (with photo).
An Ontario Photo Card.
An Ontario motor vehicle permit (vehicle portion).
A cancelled personalized cheque.
A mortgage statement, leaser or rental agreement relating to property in Ontario.
An insurance policy or insurance statement.
A loan agreement or other financial agreement with a financial institution.
A document issued or certified by a court in Ontario.
Any other document from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government.
Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada).
An income tax assessment notice.
A Child Tax Benefit Statement.
A Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E.
A Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS).
A Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P).
A Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions.
A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Works.
A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program.
A Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007.
A property tax assessment.
A credit card statement, bank account statement, or RRSP, RRIF, RHOSP or T5 statement.
A CNIB Card or a card from another registered charitable organization that provides services to persons with disabilities.
A hospital card or record.
A document showing campus residence, issued by the office or officials responsible for student residence at a pot-secondary institution.
A document showing residence at a long-term care home under the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, issued by the Administrator for the home.
A utility bill for hydro, water, gas, telephone or cable TV or a bill from a public utilities commission.
A cheque stub, T4 statement or pay receipt issued by an employer.
A transcript or report card from a post-secondary school.

Vote by Internet or Phone

The Township of Ramara has selected Vote by Internet or Phone as the method of voting for the 2018 Municipal Election. A detailed Voter Instruction Letter will be mailed to you prior to the commencement of the voting period (October 12 to October 22, 2018).

Here's how it works…….

VOTE BY INTERNET

VOTE BY TELEPHONE

Open up the Internet
In the address bar, type in the internet voting website address provided in your Voter Instruction Letter
The website will display the Township's name and the timeframe for voting. Click “Continue" to proceed to vote
When prompted enter the PIN provided in your Voter Instruction Letter and your date of birth.
Click the box below to confirm you are not a robot. You may be prompted with a Human Interface Challenge (click all the squares in which the specified item appears)
Once validated, you will be presented with the positions you are eligible to vote for (Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillor, and/or School Board Trustee)
Click “View Ballot" for each position to cast your vote.
You will be given the opportunity to confirm or change each selection before submitting your vote for each position
When finished voting, click “Logout" or exit out of the internet

Your ballot has been cast

Dial the 1-800 number provided in your Voter Information Letter

When prompted, enter your PIN provided in your Voter Information Letter

You will then hear the first race and the associated list of candidates for your ward

You will be prompted to select your candidate of choice by pressing the number corresponding to the candidate; (e.g. to select Candidate XYZ press 5

to select Candidate ABC press 6)

Your selection will be confirmed after each selection and you will be given the opportunity to change or confirm your selection

You will be able to repeat the list anytime for clarification.

You will then hear a message thanking you for voting and the Voters' List will reflect that you have voted and no further access to the system will be permitted.

Assistance will be provided at the Help Centres for:

-   Questions regarding the election
-   Checking Voters’ List to ensure that you are registered to vote
-   Receiving or replacing a PIN;
-   Assistance with voting
More information will be provided in the spring of 2018 regarding the locations of the Help Centres.

Offices to be Elected

You may vote for the following in the 2018 Municipal Election:

Mayor (representative at Simcoe County Council)
Deputy Mayor (representative at Simcoe County Council)
One Ward Councillor
One School Board Trustee/Conseiller:

Simcoe County District School Board (English Public)
Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (English Separate)
Counseil Scolaire Viamonde (French Public)
Counseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir (French Separate)

The term of Council will begin on December 1, 2018 and end on November 14, 2022.

Election FAQs

Who is eligible to vote in a municpal election?

In order to qualify as an eligible elector, you must:

Reside in the Township of Ramara, or are the owner or tenant of land, or the spouse of such owner or tenant;
Be a Canadian citizen; and
Be 18 years of age (as of Election Day) or older; and
Not prohibited from voting as outlined in s.17(3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 or otherwise by law.

Can I vote in Ramara if my family owns a seasonal property in Ramara and I use it on weekends?

If you are on title (or the spouse thereof) on the property you can vote in Ramara. If you visit the seasonal property only, you are not permitted to vote.

How do I get my name changed on the Voters’ List?

Revisions to the Voters’ List can be made starting early in September and ending on Election Day (October 22, 2018). An individual must fill out a Form EL15 and present proper identification to be added to the Voters’ List.

How do I register to vote in the Municipal Election?

Once the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) is available, there will be a public notice to review, correct or add your name to the Voters’ List. Be sure to visit www.voterlookup.ca to check if you are on the list.

Why have I been asked to sign an endorsement?

New for 2018! As part of the nomination filing package, a candidate for Council must include twenty-five (25) written endorsements of nomination for their position. A person endorsing a nomination must be an eligible voter in Ramara on the day to which the endorsement is made.
Form 2 – Endorsement of Nomination
Endorsements are not required for School Board Trustee Candidates.

As a resident, how much can I donate to one candidate? Can I donate to multiple candidates?

An individual may contribute up to $1,200 to one candidate. You may donate to more than one candidate, however, total contributions to multiple candidates from one individual cannot exceed $5,000.

Does a candidate have to live in the ward they run for office in?

No. An eligible candidate for the Township of Ramara can run for office for either Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or for Councillor in any one of the five wards.

Can anyone use the Township logo in their campaign material?

No, the Township’s logo is a Corporate Resource (owned by the Township) and used only for official Township business.

Does the Township of Ramara have an election sign bylaw?

Election Sign Bylaw 2018.17

What is a Registered Third Party?

New for 2018! A registered third party is any individual, corporation or trade union that advertises to support or oppose a candidate or a question on the ballot for the municipal election.

A registered third party is subject to many of the requirements as that of a candidate including filing registration papers, expense limits, financial statements, and are subject to the municipal election sign bylaw. No election advertising outside of a candidate or registered third party is permitted.

For more information, refer to the Third Party Information tab.

Where can I find more information?

Municipal Elections are governed by the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. Visit the Ministry of Municipal Affairs website for further election information.

What Ward am I in?

Ramara Township is composed of 5 geographic areas known as wards. Councillors each represent a particular ward. View the Overall Ward Map to determine the ward in which you may vote.

Will proxy voting be accepted?

Proxy voting will not be required as every resident can vote at any time during the Vote Period from wherever they are located, as long as they have received their Voter Information Letter.

Voter Eligibility

A person is entitled to vote in the Ramara Municipal Election if, on voting day (Monday, October 22, 2018) he or she:

Is a Canadian Citizen;
Is a least 18 years old;
Resides in the Township of Ramara, or is the owner or tenant of land in the Township of Ramara, or the spouse of such a person; and
Is not prohibited from voting under any law.

Voter Ineligibility

The following are prohibited from voting in a municipal election:

A person serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institution
A corporation
A person acting as executor or trustee or in another representative capacity.
A person convicted of a corrupt practice described in Section 90(3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996

Are you on the Voter’s List?

Voter Identification

An Ontario Driver's Licence.
An Ontario Health Card (with photo).
An Ontario Photo Card.
An Ontario motor vehicle permit (vehicle portion).
A cancelled personalized cheque.
A mortgage statement, leaser or rental agreement relating to property in Ontario.
An insurance policy or insurance statement.
A loan agreement or other financial agreement with a financial institution.
A document issued or certified by a court in Ontario.
Any other document from the government of Canada, Ontario or a municipality in Ontario or from an agency of such a government.
Any document from a Band Council in Ontario established under the Indian Act (Canada).
An income tax assessment notice.
A Child Tax Benefit Statement.
A Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E.
A Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS).
A Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P).
A Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions.
A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Works.
A Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program.
A Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007.
A property tax assessment.
A credit card statement, bank account statement, or RRSP, RRIF, RHOSP or T5 statement.
A CNIB Card or a card from another registered charitable organization that provides services to persons with disabilities.
A hospital card or record.
A document showing campus residence, issued by the office or officials responsible for student residence at a pot-secondary institution.
A document showing residence at a long-term care home under the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, issued by the Administrator for the home.
A utility bill for hydro, water, gas, telephone or cable TV or a bill from a public utilities commission.
A cheque stub, T4 statement or pay receipt issued by an employer.
A transcript or report card from a post-secondary school.

Vote by Internet or Phone

Here's how it works…….

VOTE BY INTERNET

VOTE BY TELEPHONE

Open up the Internet
In the address bar, type in the internet voting website address provided in your Voter Instruction Letter
The website will display the Township's name and the timeframe for voting. Click “Continue" to proceed to vote
When prompted enter the PIN provided in your Voter Instruction Letter and your date of birth.
Click the box below to confirm you are not a robot. You may be prompted with a Human Interface Challenge (click all the squares in which the specified item appears)
Once validated, you will be presented with the positions you are eligible to vote for (Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillor, and/or School Board Trustee)
Click “View Ballot" for each position to cast your vote.
You will be given the opportunity to confirm or change each selection before submitting your vote for each position
When finished voting, click “Logout" or exit out of the internet

Your ballot has been cast

Dial the 1-800 number provided in your Voter Information Letter

When prompted, enter your PIN provided in your Voter Information Letter

You will then hear the first race and the associated list of candidates for your ward

You will be prompted to select your candidate of choice by pressing the number corresponding to the candidate; (e.g. to select Candidate XYZ press 5

to select Candidate ABC press 6)

Your selection will be confirmed after each selection and you will be given the opportunity to change or confirm your selection

You will be able to repeat the list anytime for clarification.

You will then hear a message thanking you for voting and the Voters' List will reflect that you have voted and no further access to the system will be permitted.

Assistance will be provided at the Help Centres for:

Offices to be Elected

You may vote for the following in the 2018 Municipal Election:

Mayor (representative at Simcoe County Council)
Deputy Mayor (representative at Simcoe County Council)
One Ward Councillor
One School Board Trustee/Conseiller:

Simcoe County District School Board (English Public)
Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (English Separate)
Counseil Scolaire Viamonde (French Public)
Counseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir (French Separate)

The term of Council will begin on December 1, 2018 and end on November 14, 2022.