City of Winnipg 2009 By-Election Logo graphic english spacer City of Winnipeg 2009 By-Election Your City Your Vote graphic spacer
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ANSWERS TO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES
  1. Who is eligible to run as a Candidate for election to the Office of Councillor?

    An individual is eligible to be nominated for, and elected as, a member of council if the individual is
    1. a Canadian Citizen;
    2. at least 18 years of age on the day of the By-Election;
    3. a resident of the province;
    4. a voter and
    5. not disqualified under The City of Winnipeg Charter or any other legislation.

    Some individuals are disqualified to be nominated for election to Council, or to be, or remain a member of Council. For further information refer to Section 23(2) of The City of Winnipeg Charter.


  2. What are the qualifications for Candidates for election to the Office of School Trustee?

    A person is qualified to be nominated for, and elected as a trustee of a school board if the person is:
    1. a Canadian Citizen;
    2. at least 18 years of age on the day of the election;
    3. an actual resident in the School Division for a period of at least six months on the day of the election (since September 17, 2008); and
    4. not disqualified under any other provision of The Public Schools Act or any other legislation, and is not otherwise by law prohibited from being a trustee or from voting at elections in the School Division.

    NOTE:

    1. Candidates for School Trustee do not have to reside in the Ward of the School Division in which they are seeking election, but must be a resident elector of the School Division.

    2. No pupil in regular attendance at school shall be a trustee of the School Division.

    3. An employee of the same School Board, School Division or District, must take a leave of absence to serve as a trustee.

NOMINATIONS
  1. When can a Candidate file Nomination Papers?

    Nomination Papers will be accepted, in person, by the Senior Election Official during business hours beginning Tuesday, February 3, 2009 and must be filed no later than 4:30 p.m., Monday, February 9, 2009.


  2. How many signatures are required for nomination for Councillor?

    Nomination Papers filed by prospective Councillor Candidates must have a minimum of 25 signatures of voters whose names appear on the Voters List.

    As eligibility is subject to verification with the Voters List, it is suggested that Candidates obtain additional names to ensure that the minimum requirement of voters is met. Registered Candidates will be provided with a copy of the Final Voters List on CD at the time of registration.


  3. How many signatures are required for nomination for School Trustee?

    Nomination Papers filed by prospective School Trustee Candidates must have a minimum of 25 signatures of voters whose names appear on the Voters List for the Winnipeg School Division.

    As eligibility is subject to verification with the Voters List, it is suggested that Candidates obtain additional names to ensure that the minimum requirement of voters is met. The names of voters signing a School Trustee Candidate’s Nomination Paper will be checked at the time the Candidate files his/her Nomination Paper in person with the Senior Election Official.


  4. How do I know that the signatures on the Nomination Paper represent voters?

    Registered Councillor Candidates will be provided with a copy of the Final Voters List on CD. The Candidates must check the Voters List to ensure that the persons signing their Nomination Papers are on the Voters List.

    The names of voters signing a School Trustee Candidate’s Nomination Paper will be checked at the time the Candidate files his/her Nomination Paper in person with the Senior Election Official.


  5. Can a nominated Candidate withdraw from the By-Election?

    Where more Candidates are nominated for office than are required to be elected, any Candidate may withdraw providing that he/she submits a written withdrawal, in-person to the Senior Election Official by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2009.


  6. Are there other requirements Candidates should know?

    Yes.

    Councillor Candidates must register with the Senior Election Official and are required to appoint an official agent, an auditor, and file an audited financial statement for the campaign. The Registration Period for Councillor Candidates is Monday, January 26, 2009 to Monday, February 9, 2009. No funds can be solicited or expended on a Candidate’s campaign until he/she is registered.

    School Trustee Candidates are required to file Nomination Papers but are not required to appoint an official agent, auditor or file an audited statement inasmuch as The Public Schools Act does not regulate campaign contributions and expenses for School Trustee Candidates.

ACCLAMATIONS
  1. How can a Candidate be acclaimed?

    Where the number of Candidates nominated for office is equal to the number of vacancies to be filled, the Senior Election Official shall declare the Candidate elected by acclamation at the end of the withdrawal period, 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2009.

CAMPAIGNING
  1. When does the Campaign Period begin and end?

    The Campaign Period for Councillor Candidates for this By-Election commences Monday, January 26, 2009 and ends on Monday, June 15, 2009.

    The Public Schools Act does not stipulate a specific campaign period for School Trustee Candidates.


  2. Can an individual declare himself/herself as a Councillor Candidate and campaign before formally registering with the Senior Election Official?

    NO. Until an individual registers as a Councillor Candidate, neither the individual, nor any other person acting on behalf of the individual, shall accept a contribution or incur an expense for the purpose of the election of the individual.


  3. Can a Councillor Candidate use his/her own funds for the Election campaign?

    Yes. A Councillor Candidate may use his/her own funds for an election campaign providing that all of the regulations are properly accorded. (i.e., the Candidate must be properly registered, file an audited financial statement showing all funds, be within the maximum expenditure limit, etc.).


  4. What is the maximum contribution limit for Councillor Candidates?

    The maximum contribution an individual, corporation, organization or trade union shall make to a Registered Candidate for the Office of Councillor is $750.00.


  5. What is the expenditure limit for Councillor Candidates?

    The expenditure limit is based upon a formula utilizing 75 cents per voter for Councillor Candidates. The Campaign Expenses and Contributions Officer will provide each Candidate written notification of their certified campaign expenditure limits, on or before Tuesday, February 3, 2009.


  6. Can a Councillor Candidate accept a contribution from a registered political party?

    No. A Registered Candidate shall not accept a contribution from a political party registered under The Canada Elections Act and The Elections Finances Act, or a constituency association of such a party.


  7. Is there a rebate for contributions to Councillor Candidates?

    Yes. The Rebate of Election Contributions By-law No. 91/2004, entitles persons, including Registered Candidates, to receive a rebate for their contribution. The maximum contribution to any Registered Candidate for the Office of Councillor is $750.00.

    Rebates are calculated as follows:

    • For contributions between $25.00 and $300.00, the rebate is 75% of the contribution;

    • For contributions between $301.00 and $1,000.00, the rebate is $225.00 plus 50% of the difference between the contribution and $300.00;

    • For contributions of more than $1,000.00, the rebate is the lesser of:

      1. $575.00 plus 33 1/3% of the difference between the contribution and $1,000.00;
      2. $1,000.00.

    To receive a rebate, the contributor must complete the rebate application provided by the Candidate and mail the application to the City Clerk, City Clerk's Department, Main Floor, Council Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, R3B 1B9. The deadline for receipt of rebate applications by the City Clerk is Monday, May 17, 2010.

    It is important to note that in order for the contributor to receive a rebate, the Registered Candidate must file his/her audited financial statement by Monday May 31, 2010 and provide the City Clerk with a copy of all receipts for contributions issued under and in accordance with By-law No. 5550/90.


  8. Can I get an income tax receipt for contributions to a Councillor Candidate?

    No. Contributions made to a Councillor Candidate are not tax-deductible, nor are funds expended on the election of a Councillor Candidate tax-deductible.


  9. Can Candidates canvas in apartment buildings?

    Yes. Upon filing Nomination Papers with the Senior Election Official, a Candidate will be supplied with a copy of a letter from the Senior Election Official permitting access to apartment buildings, in accordance with the provisions of The Residential Tenancies Act.

VOTERS LIST
  1. Am I on the Voters List?

    In accordance with the existing legislation, the City of Winnipeg will be utilizing the National Register of Electors compiled by Elections Canada, as the basis for the Voters List.

    To determine if you are on the Voters List, please call 311 to reach the City of Winnipeg's Contact Centre or email the City of Winnipeg Election Office.


  2. How do I get my name on the Voters List?

    The Voters List being used for this By-Election has been closed and no further updates will be made.

    At the voting place, persons whose names do not appear on the Voters List and who are eligible to vote will be required to present identification (photo ID if available) and take an Oath prior to voting.

    Persons whose names do not appear on the Voters List and who do vote in this By-Election will have their names added to the Voters List for future Civic Elections.

    Voters may request to have their names added to the Voters List for future Civic Elections by calling 204.986.7132.

    If the Voter meets the eligibility criteria, the Voter will be required to submit a photocopy or scan of an official photo identification document issued by either a federal, provincial or municipal government which contains their name, address and date of birth (i.e. MB Driver’s License) or a combination of two (2) or more documents that together provide this same information.


  3. Are copies of the Voters List available to the public upon request?

    No. The Voters List is provided to Candidates and is only to be used for election purposes.

    A voter is entitled to have access to information on the Voters List about themselves to determine whether the information is correct. Please call 311 to reach the City of Winnipeg's Contact Centre or email the City of Winnipeg Election Office.

VOTING PLACES
  1. How does a person find out where to vote?

    Persons whose names appear on the Voters List will receive a Voters Notice identifying their voting place. All Candidates will be supplied with a list of Voting Places, including related maps, when they file their Nomination Papers.

    In addition, inquiries can be made by calling 311 to reach the City of Winnipeg's Contact Centre or visiting the web link Where Do I Vote?


  2. Are voting places accessible for persons with disabilities?

    Yes. All voting places are accessible for person with disabilities. Signage will be posted where necessary to indicate accessible entrances.

BY-ELECTION DAY
  1. Are there any restrictions prohibiting political activities near a voting place on By-Election Day?

    Yes. With the exception of Election Officials, no person is permitted to distribute a circular, card or other paper referring to an election within 50 metres of the voting place.

    Similarly, no person shall post or authorize the posting of a sign, poster or placard referring to an election within a building or within 50 metres of the entrance to a building, except Election Officials.


  2. Is a scrutineer allowed to wear a badge indicating the Candidate for whom the person represents?

    A scrutineer may wear a badge or ribbon that indicates (by colour only) the Candidate for whom the person is a scrutineer. However, even in this instance, the badge or ribbon may not indicate the name (or initials) of the Candidate.


  3. How many scrutineers can a Candidate have?

    Two scrutineers per Candidate are allowed at each voting station. Each voting place may have more than one voting station.


  4. Can a Candidate appoint scrutineers on a shift basis?

    Yes. Provided the Candidate has authorized each relief scrutineer with proper written authorization (Scrutineer Appointment Form). The name of each scrutineer must be recorded in the voting record for each voting station.


  5. If a Candidate has only one scrutineer at a voting place, and there is more than one voting station at that voting place, does the Candidate have to provide the scrutineer with an authorization form for each voting station at that voting place?

    No. However, upon attendance at a voting place, each scrutineer must take an oath that he/she will uphold the rights of voters and shall preserve the secrecy of the vote, and sign the Record of Scrutineers contained in the voting record for each voting station he/she attends.


  6. Can a Candidate act as a scrutineer?

    Yes. While a Candidate is permitted to act as a scrutineer, it is important that the Candidate’s role be confined only to this function. Greeting voters at the door, socializing in the voting place, or passing out campaign material is not allowed. If a Candidate engages in these activities, he/she will be instructed by the Senior Voting Officer to cease and desist the activity.


  7. Where may I obtain forms for appointment of scrutineers?

    A supply of Scrutineer Appointment forms will be provided to each Candidate upon filing their Notice of Registration, and are available on the web link Scrutineer Appointment Form.


  8. Is there a blackout period for campaign advertising?

    No. Changes to The Broadcast Act in 1991 eliminated the blackout period for political advertising.


  9. Where do I report signage infractions?

    All signage infractions (i.e. signage posted within the 50 metre restriction), whether on By-Election Day or during Advance Voting, should be reported by calling 311 to reach the City of Winnipeg's Contact Centre.

VOTING
  1. Who can vote for Councillor?

    RESIDENTS: A person who is a resident of the River Heights - Fort Garry Ward is eligible to vote if he/she:

    • is a Canadian Citizen;

    • is 18 years of age or older on By-Election Day;

    • has been an actual resident of the City of Winnipeg for a period of at least six months on the day of the By-Election (since September 17, 2008).

    The following determines the residency of a person:
    • is a resident of the place where he/she has his/her ordinary residence, and to which he/she intends to return when away from it;

    • may be a resident of only one place at a time;

    • does not change residence until he/she has a new residence.

    NON-RESIDENTS: A person who is not a resident of The City of Winnipeg is eligible to vote if he/she:

    • is a Canadian citizen;

    • is 18 years of age or older on By-Election Day;

    • has been a registered owner of land in the City of Winnipeg as listed in The City of Winnipeg Assessment Roll, for a period of six months on the day of the By-Election (since September 17, 2008).

    • is a registered owner of land in the City of Winnipeg as listed in The City of Winnipeg Assessment Roll in the River Heights-Fort Garry Ward on By-Election Day.

    If three or more non-resident persons are registered owners of a parcel of land,
    • no more than two of them are eligible to vote;

    • in order to be included on the Voters List, each of those two persons must file with the Senior Election Official the written consent of the number of persons who, together with the person to be included on the Voters List, are a majority of the registered owners of the land.

  2. Who can vote for School Trustee?

    A person who is a resident of the Winnipeg School Division, Ward 1, is eligible to vote if he/she:

    • is a Canadian Citizen;

    • is 18 years of age or older on By-Election Day;

    • has been an actual resident of the School Division for a period of at least six months on the day of the By-Election (since September 17, 2008).

    The following determines the residency of a person:

    • is a resident of the place where he/she has his/her ordinary residence, and to which he/she intends to return when away from it;

    • may be a resident of only one place at a time;

    • does not change residence until he/she has a new residence.


  3. My name does not appear on the Voters List. Can I still vote?

    Yes, providing you meet the eligibility of a voter. You will be required to present identification (photo ID if available) and take an Oath prior to voting at the voting place where you are entitled to vote. Please ensure you bring appropriate identification (photo ID if available).

    To find out which voting place you should attend, please call 311 to reach the City of Winnipeg's Contact Centre or visit the web link Where Do I Vote?


  4. I have changed my address within the past six months to another area in the City of Winnipeg. Can I vote and, if so, where?

    Providing you are an eligible voter, you must vote at the voting place in the area which you reside now.

    To find out your voting place, please call 311 to reach the City of Winnipeg's Contact Centre or visit the web link Where Do I Vote?


  5. I did not receive a Voters Notice in the mail. Does this mean I cannot vote?

    A Voters Notice is not necessary in order for you to vote, providing you meet the eligibility of a voter.

    If your name is not on the Voters List, you will be required to present identification (photo ID if available) and take an Oath prior to voting at the voting place where you are entitled to vote. Please ensure you bring appropriate identification (photo ID if available).

    To find out your voting place, please call 311 to reach the City of Winnipeg's Contact Centre or visit the web link Where Do I Vote?


  6. My (wife, husband, son, daughter, neighbour, etc.) received a Voters Notice, but I did not. Why not?

    Voters Notices are not always delivered the same day, and the notice may yet arrive within the next day or two. Voters Notices are not required in order to vote.


  7. A Voters Notice addressed to me at my former address has been forwarded to me. Do I still vote at the voting place shown on the card?

    No. You must vote at the voting place where you presently reside, and at the voting station where you are entitled to vote.

    To find out your voting place, please call 311 to reach the City of Winnipeg's Contact Centre or visit the web link Where Do I Vote?


  8. Where do I vote for Councillor if I don't live in Winnipeg but I own more than one piece of property in the River Heights - Fort Garry Ward?

    Providing you meet the eligibility of a non-resident voter, you may vote only once, and must do so at the voting place where you are listed as a voter.

    Refer to your Voters Notice for your designated voting place and hours of voting, or call 311 to reach the City of Winnipeg's Contact Centre.


  9. Where do I vote for Councillor if I own property in the River Heights-Fort Garry Ward, but actually reside in another ward?

    The property ownership eligibility only applies if your residence is outside the City of Winnipeg. If you live in the City of Winnipeg, you are only eligible to vote if you reside in the River Heights-Fort Garry Ward, regardless of any property ownership.


  10. I just purchased property in the Winnipeg School Division, Ward 1 and reside there, but have not lived in the Winnipeg School Division for the required six months. Does this entitle me to a ballot for School Trustee?

    No, you do not meet the requirements of a voter for the Office of School Trustee.


  11. How do I know that my ballot has been counted by the voting machine?

    After a voter has voted, the ballot is placed into the optical scanning machine, at which time the voter will hear the processing, and can see the number count increase by one.


  12. Will the optical scanning device read a spoiled ballot?

    The optical scanning device will return a spoiled ballot to the voter; the voter then has the option of recasting his/her vote. If a voter does not wish to recast his/her vote, the ballot will be inserted into the scanning device.


  13. Can I get time off work to vote?

    In civic elections, there is no requirement to provide a minimum amount of time for employees to vote. Employees should be advised that if their work schedule does not permit adequate time for them to vote on By-Election Day, they should take advantage of Advance Voting opportunities or voting by Sealed Envelope Ballot.

ADVANCE VOTING
  1. When and where will Advance Voting be held?

    Advance Voting will be held for all eligible voters at Grant Park High School, 450 Nathaniel Street on the following dates:

    * TIME CHANGE
    Thursday, March 5 * 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    Friday, March 6 * 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    Saturday, March 7 * 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

    All voting places are accessible to persons with disabilities.

    The Senior Election Official will also provide additional advance voting opportunities for voters in seniors' residences and personal care homes on Tuesday, March 10, Wednesday, March 11, Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13, 2009.

    For more information on Advance Voting places, dates and times, please call 311 to reach the City of Winnipeg's Contact Centre or visit the web link Voting Locations - Advance Voting.


  2. Who can vote at Advance Voting?

    Any eligible voter can vote in advance.


  3. I will be out of the City during the Advance Voting and on By-Election Day. Is there any other way I can vote?

    An eligible voter may apply to vote by Sealed Envelope Ballot. The application must be made in writing to the Senior Election Official, Main Floor, Council Building, 510 Main Street, and must provide the reason for the request. The application may be made either:

    • by mail and forwarded to the Senior Election Official, Main Floor, Council Building, 510 Main Street, commencing Friday, January 30, 2009 and ending Friday, March 13, 2009, 4:30 p.m.;

    • by fax dial 311 commencing Friday, January 30, 2009 and ending Friday, March 13, 2009, 4:30 p.m.;

    • by email commencing Friday, January 30, 2009 and ending Friday, March 13, 2009, 4:30 p.m.;

    • in person by attending the Election Office, Council Building, 510 Main Street, commencing Tuesday, February 17, 2009 ending Friday, March 13, 2009, 4:30 p.m..

    The eligible voter making application in person will be provided with a Sealed Envelope Ballot package once the application is approved.

    Persons applying by mail, email or fax by Thursday, March 5, 2009 will be forwarded a Sealed Envelope Ballot package by mail. Persons applying by mail, email or fax between Friday, March 6, 2009 and Friday, March 13, 2009, may make alternate arrangements to have the Sealed Envelope Ballot package delivered to him or her.

    The eligible voter must return the ballot to the Senior Election Official, Main Floor, Council Building, 510 Main Street, PRIOR TO the close of voting at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, By-Election Day.
Last update: 2009/02/03 go to top of page

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