• The voting methods and procedures for the 2026 Municipal Election are outlined below in accordance with By-Law 2026-1679B.

• Please note that if an Elector intends to use the Mail-In Voting method, Electors must register in advance with the Township Office no later than September 1, 2026 in order to receive a mail-in voting kit.

GENERAL

1.1 That the 2026 Municipal Election shall be conducted using in-person paper ballot voting, with provisions for advance voting and restricted mail-in voting.

1.2 The Clerk shall be responsible for the administration of the election in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 and this By-law.

PURPOSE

To provide clear direction on voting options and ensure accessibility, fairness, and transparency in the 2026 Municipal Election.

Voting Options Available

1. In-Person Voting (Primary Method)

• October 26, 2026
• 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Township Office

2. Advance Voting

• October 17, 2026
•  Location: Township Office
•  Hours shall be determined by the Clerk and publicly advertised

3. Mail-In Voting (Limited Eligibility)

• Only for non-resident Electors living outside St. Joseph Island
• Electors must register in advance with the Township office no later than September 1, 2026 to receive a mail-in voting kit.
• Registration may be completed:  in person at the Township Office; or by scheduled virtual appointment with Township staff for identity verification
• Must be returned by mail with Canadian postage
• Must be received prior to the close of polls on October 26, 2026 at 8:00 p.m.

Important Restrictions

• No ballots accepted in the office drop box
• No unpaid or improperly mailed ballots accepted
• Late ballots will not be counted

Accessibility Measures

• Virtual ID verification available
• Home voting available upon request
• Staff assistance for voters with barriers

• If, for any reason, you will be unable to personally cast your ballot, you may appoint someone to go to the voting place and cast a ballot on your behalf. This person is called your voting proxy.

• To appoint a voting proxy, you must fill out two copies of the Appointment for Voting Proxy Form (Form 3) and give the copies to the person that you are appointing as your proxy. Both copies must have your original signature on them. You cannot sign one form and then photocopy it.

• You must know who you want to appoint as your proxy when you fill out and sign the form. The person you want to appoint must be eligible to vote in the election, and should be someone you trust to mark the ballot in the way you have instructed them to.

• You can appoint a proxy after the nominations have been certified. In most municipalities, this will be done by 4 p.m. on August 24, 2026. Contact your clerk to find out the deadline for appointing a voting proxy.

• If someone has appointed you as their voting proxy, you must take the completed forms to the municipal clerk to get them certified. Once the forms have been certified, you may cast a vote on behalf of the person who appointed you.

• If you are appointed as the proxy for one family member, you may also be appointed as the proxy for additional family members.

• Family member refers to a spouse, sibling, parent, child, grandparent or grandchild. There is no limit to the number of times you may be appointed, but it must only be for family members. You cannot be appointed as a proxy for a non-family member and a family member at the same time.

• If you are appointed as the proxy for a person who is not a family member, you can act as the proxy for this one person only. You cannot be a proxy for anyone else.

• The only way to vote on someone else’s behalf is to be appointed as their voting proxy.

• You cannot vote on someone’s behalf if you have legal or medical power of attorney, are acting as a person’s executor, or in any other representative capacity.

If you require further information, please contact:

Jocelyn Township Office
3670 5th Side Road, Hilton Beach

705 246-2025
Email: admin@jocelyn.ca