HALDIMAND—During a discussion period at the Monday, September 21, 2026 Council-in-Committee meeting, outgoing Ward 6 Councillor Patrick O’Neill asked County Clerk Chad Curtis to clarify an issue brought forward by a constituent and based on an article in The Simcoe Reformer.
The Reformer article focused on a recent reminder that was sent out by Norfolk County staff to all candidates that they, their campaign teams, and any individuals acting on their behalf are not permitted to go door-to-door with their own devices and facilitate voting by residents.
According to the article, the email sent to candidates read in part: “If a candidate is present while an elector is voting, there is no assurance that the elector is able to cast their ballot free from influence or pressure … Electors must be able to cast their ballot privately and independently.”
O’Neill said he was asking because “I just wanted to have you maybe clarify for the public how that all works.”
Curtis’ response focused on the steps Haldimand had taken to ensure the security of online voting.
“A few things that we’ve done outside of what you’ve just asked is we partnered with a number of municipalities that are using the same voting vendor as we are, and we hired a third-party penetration company to see if they could get into our system. We recently finished that testing. It is secure from that aspect.”
Curtis said one of the first issues Haldimand discussed with its voting vendor was ensuring an adequate voter authentication process, as well as encrypted transmission of voting data, secure hosting environments, and an ongoing system to monitor any potential irregularities.
“If the system that they’re using senses something or they’re seeing something that’s not right, they’ll let us know. And if that occurs, we will take the appropriate steps further,” said Curtis. “We’ve had these conversations internally and with our vendors, and we’re confident moving forward that these things won’t happen.”
O’Neill then asked for clarification as to whether candidates, their campaign teams, or others acting on their behalf could bring an electronic device to a resident’s home for them to vote online.
“It isn’t allowed, right? … I figured that’s the case but just wanted to double check,” said O’Neill.
Curtis said he would need to speak with the County’s legal department before providing a concrete answer.
The Press later followed up with the County.
“Attempting to influence the vote of an elector is in contravention of the Municipal Elections Act and appropriate enforcement steps will be taken if there’s a violation,” replied County spokesperson Kyra Hayes in an email.
She shared an excerpt from the Act that states that no person shall:
* Interfere or attempt to interfere with an elector who is marking the ballot;
* Obtain or attempt to obtain, at a voting place, information about how an elector intends to vote or has voted; or
* Communicate any information obtained at a voting place about how an elector intends to vote or has voted.
Hayes added, “Any elector who requires assistance with voting is encouraged to contact the Clerk’s Department in advance to discuss available accommodations and make any necessary arrangements.”
The Press asked Hayes for a clear confirmation as to whether or not a candidate or volunteer bringing an electronic device to the door for a resident to vote with would constitute such a violation. No further response was provided prior to publication.
Haldimand has released its official list of ways for voters to participate in the 2026 municipal election.
Residents can vote online from Friday, October 16 at 9 a.m. to Sunday, October 25 at 5 p.m. using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. They will need the voting PIN sent to them in their voter notification letter and their date of birth to do so. Letters will be sent to eligible voters in early October.
Those looking to cast an advance vote in person can do so at the following locations:
* October 17: Cayuga Arena, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
* October 18: Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre, 12-4 p.m.
* October 19: Hagersville Active Living Centre, 3-7 p.m.
* October 20: Jarvis Lions Community Centre, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
* October 21: Caledonia Lions Community Centre, 12-4 p.m.
On election day, seven locations across Haldimand will be open on Monday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
* McSorley Family Room, Cayuga Arena
* Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre
* Hagersville Active Living Centre
* Jarvis Lions Community Centre
* Caledonia Lions Community Centre
* Selkirk Christian Chapel
* Gateway Church, Caledonia
Those unable to vote online or in person can assign a proxy to vote on their behalf. Required proxy forms from the County must be submitted for this option. Additionally, those who cannot physically enter a voting station may request curbside voting as well.
For more information on the 2026 municipal election, visit haldimandvotes.ca.
