The first day of advance voting in the City of Belleville was very successful.
Advance voting began Monday and at Tuesday night’s meeting of council, City Clerk Matt MacDonald reported 1,269 people had already voted either by telephone or online, a number they could have not achieved in a full weekend of advance voting under the old in-person, paper ballot system.
Voting will only be done by phone or online this municipal election.
MacDonald also addressed questions about people receiving multiple voter information letters or receiving letters for deceased loved ones.
He said city staff are working to eliminate duplicates and that voters can help by calling City Hall to inform the Clerk’s Office.
In most cases of duplicates, only one pin number will work so people will not be able to vote more than once.
He also apologized to anyone who may have received a letter for a deceased loved one and suggested calling City Hall to let them know.
MacDonald added that it is an indictable offence to vote under the guise of a deceased person and that anyone who does so could face a fine of up to $50,000.
Currently, the city gathers its list of electors from MPAC but MacDonald says by the next election they will be using a voter list from Elections Ontario and it should be much more accurate.
Advance voting also began in Quinte West Tuesday and starts this Saturday in Prince Edward County.
Election day is October 24.
