On Thursday, June 2nd, Ontarians will head to the polls to cast their vote in the provincial election. Voting is an important way to have your say in the issues that matter to you, including what funding, services and supports are available for children and youth with disabilities or developmental needs.

Encourage your family members and friends to vote on the priorities that are important to them. Every vote counts!

Get Informed

In Ontario, there are four main political parties. Click on the links below to visit their websites, where you can read their party platforms.
 

• Green Party
• Liberal Party
• New Democratic Party
• Progressive Conservative Party

There are also other parties that are part of our provincial system. A full listing of all registered provincial parties is available via the Elections Ontario website.

Engage with Local Candidates

Getting connected with the local candidates in your area is an important part of gathering the information you need to make an informed vote. Here are some tips:
 

• When local candidates knock on your door, ask them questions about what is important to you.
• Since most candidates are active on social media (Facebook and Twitter), follow them to see what issues they stand behind or reach out to ask questions or express your concerns.
• Candidates typically hold local meetings, debates and community events for the duration of the campaign. Since these are typically public events, participate in as many as you can.

Questions You Can Ask Candidates

Unsure of what questions to ask? Try these as a starting point:
 

• What is your party planning to do to support families of kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs?
• What provincial programs will you support that help families like mine?
• What are your plans to increase support or funding for children and youth with disabilities and developmental needs?
• How would you advocate for the children with disabilities and developmental needs?

Sometimes talking to candidates can feel intimidating but remember your voice matters!

General Communication Tips

Here are some tips to help you feel confident:
 

• Start by introducing yourself as a local constituent.
• Candidates may speak to you about their own party’s priorities. Although it is important to listen, try to find a way to focus the conversation back to what you would like to share and the questions you want to ask.  
• Speak from the heart and trust yourself. When you talk about the services provided for children with disabilities or developmental needs in your local area, trust your knowledge and share why these services are important.
• Share personal stories and anecdotes about your child or youth that can help illustrate your point and demonstrate why it is important for candidates to include the priorities of children and youth with disabilities and developmental needs as part of their campaigns.

Accessibility in Ontario Elections

Are you a person 18 years of age or older with disability? For tools and services to make it easier to vote, check out the Elections Ontario website.

Wondering how to vote, what you need to vote or where to vote? Visit electionsontario.ca.  
 

2022-05-10