2026 Municipal Election – Post-Election Accessibility Report

Election 2026

2026 Post-Election Accessibility Report

Introduction

In accordance with Section 12.1 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the Township of Laird has prepared the following Post-Election Accessibility Report to identify the accessibility measures implemented during the 2026 Municipal Election, assess their effectiveness, and identify opportunities for future improvement. The Township remains committed to providing an accessible voting experience that respects the dignity and independence of all electors. The measures referenced in this report are consistent with those outlined in the Municipal Election Accessibility Plan 2026 – Laird Township.

Accessibility Measures Implemented

The 2026 Municipal Election was conducted using paper ballots at Laird Hall. The following accessibility supports and accommodations were provided:

• The main entrance door at Laird Hall was propped open throughout voting hours to eliminate barriers associated with the building’s manually operated entrance doors.
• An accessible-height voting table was provided behind a voter privacy screen to accommodate electors using mobility devices or requiring an alternative voting surface.
• Magnifying sheets were available for electors who required assistance reading the ballot.
• Electors were permitted to receive assistance from a support person or a designated election official when required.
• Service animals were permitted access to all areas of the voting location.
• Election staff were available to provide assistance and accommodation as needed throughout voting hours.
• Proxy voting was available in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 for eligible electors who were unable to attend the voting location in person. Information regarding proxy voting procedures was communicated through the Township website, election newsletters, and an information insert distributed with the final tax bill. This option provided an alternative voting method for electors facing temporary or permanent barriers to attend the polling location.
• Clear pathways, seating, and accessible voting arrangements were maintained throughout the voting location.

Feedback and Observations

Overall, very few electors required accessibility-related assistance during the election.

Election staff reported only one instance where voting assistance was required. The elector had forgotten their glasses and was assisted by their daughter in marking their ballot. No concerns or complaints regarding accessibility barriers were received from electors, candidates, or members of the public.

Staff noted that while magnifying sheets were available and met the needs of voters who required enlarged text, several electors indicated difficulty reading ballots due to forgotten eyeglasses. Based on these observations, election staff suggested that a selection of reading glasses in various strengths be made available at future voting locations as an additional accommodation measure.

Election staff also observed that continued public education regarding available voting methods, including proxy voting, would be beneficial. While proxy voting information was communicated through multiple channels before Voting Day, some electors may not have been fully aware of this option.

Future Improvements

The Township is currently proceeding with a tender process for the installation of an automatic accessible door opener at Laird Hall. Once installed, this improvement will provide independent access to the voting location and further reduce barriers for electors with mobility challenges.

For future municipal elections, the Township will:

• Complete the installation of an automatic accessible door opener at Laird Hall.
• Continue to provide magnifying sheets and other accessibility supports.
• Consider maintaining a supply of reader glasses in various strengths for electors who may have difficulty reading ballots.
• Continue to promote proxy voting as an alternative voting option for electors who may be unable to attend a polling location due to illness, injury, mobility limitations, or other circumstances.
• Continue to permit support persons and service animals in accordance with legislative requirements.
• Continue training election officials on accessibility awareness and accommodation practices.

Conclusion

The Township of Laird is satisfied that reasonable measures were taken to make the 2026 Municipal Election accessible to voters. The accessibility accommodations provided were effective, and no significant barriers were reported. The Township remains committed to continuous improvement and will incorporate the recommendations identified in this report into planning for future elections.

Prepared by: Jennifer Errington, Clerk
Township of Laird
Date: November 2, 2026