Oakville Accessibility Advisory Committee Reviews 2026 Election Accessibility Measures

The Oakville Accessibility Advisory Committee reviewed accessibility measures for the 2026 municipal and school board elections, including accessible voting locations, home voting, curbside voting, drive-through voting, proxy voting, language supports, and accessible voting equipment. The committee also reviewed updates to the town's accessibility policies under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and approved rescheduling its December 10, 2026 meeting to January 21, 2027 because of the municipal election.

Topics Discussed

1. 2026 election accessibility plan

The committee discussed accessibility measures for the October 26, 2026 Oakville Municipal and School Board elections. Voting hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day. Staff said all voting locations will be inspected for physical accessibility, with supervisors checking routes from entrances to voting areas and adding accessible parking signage where needed.

Staff said the election team is focused on reducing barriers: "The election team really is committed to removing barriers for all voters for the 2026 election, whether they're voting in person or using one of our alternative options, which is reflected in the town's 2026 accessibility plan," Andrea told the committee.

Councillor Jonathan McNeice said, "We are making the accessible voting equipment accessible only at the town hall location but at every advanced voting and on voting day."

2. Alternative voting options

Staff outlined several options for voters who cannot use standard in-person voting.

• Proxy voting: Residents who cannot vote during advance voting or on election day can appoint someone to vote on their behalf.
• Home vote program: Staff described a service in which election workers visit eligible voters at home. One staff member said, "We actually um we have two staff attend the uh the voter's home and we are uh we allow them to cast their ballot in the comfort of their own home."
• Drive-through voting: The service introduced in 2022 will return in 2026.
• Curbside voting: Voters can arrange for election staff to meet them at their vehicle.

A resident told the committee her quadriplegic husband depends on home voting but that arranging it can be stressful because she has to repeatedly contact the elections office.

3. Language access and ASL

The committee heard that voters can access interpretation for voting information through the 311 language line, and that multilingual staff will be identified during the election.

Members also asked about American Sign Language interpretation. Staff said ASL was not available through the language line discussed at the meeting. The committee also heard that candidates and scrutineers will not be permitted to act as interpreters.

4. Voting outreach and special voting locations

Staff said the town plans voter outreach through community events, multilingual election information, targeted social media, and post-election feedback collection.

The town also plans to provide voting services at retirement residences, long-term care facilities, and the hospital. Staff said the goal is to make voting available to residents who may not be able to attend regular polling places.

5. Accessibility policy review and meeting schedule

The committee reviewed updates to accessibility policies and procedures required under the AODA. Staff said six policy areas were updated: customer service, meetings, employment, information and communications, transportation, and public spaces.

Sarah Dar told the committee, "We updated the design of public spaces guideline to better align with the Oakville universal design standards which exceeds provincial accessibility standards."

The committee also approved rescheduling its December 10, 2026 meeting. Karen said, "December 10th, 2026 is being rescheduled to January 21st, 2027. And my understanding that this is due to the elections. We're waiting for the municipal elections to be completed."

Motions

Passed: - Endorsement of the 2026 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan - Accessibility Policy and Related Procedures report received - Rescheduling of the December 10, 2026 meeting to January 21, 2027

Attendees

Regrets: - Councillor Dave Gittings - Dean