While Internet voting is making it easier for many people to vote, Ward 11 candidate Terry Kett says in a letter that many seniors are being left in a difficult position.
“I give you the example of the residents of Bonik Tower on Arthur Street,” Kett writes. “Almost 90 per cent of the residents are seniors ... For those seniors, the city ‘allows’ them to vote at the city library on Lasalle Boulevard, about 1.5 km away.”
“Sounds good! Except when you realize that they would have to arrange a ride (cost!) or walk. Walking seems simple enough, except that they have to cross Chapman St., then the busy entrance to Walmart, then across Lasalle. Not easy especially on a cold, wet, autumn day.”
He's tried to arrange to have the city's voting bus come to them, but without success so far, Kett writes.
“I don’t think this is the way to treat citizens who have contributed all their lives to our city and only want to cast their ballot, as is their democratic right.”
Full text of Kett's letter:
Ward 11 Seniors Left out of election
Although Internet voting is popular for many of us, the city’s method of looking after those of us that don’t have computers and Internet access is denying the right to vote for many seniors.
I give you the example of the residents of Bonik Tower on Arthur Street. Almost 90 per cent of the residents are seniors. Most do not have computers or the Internet. Many use walkers or electric wheelchairs.
All are on fixed incomes. For those seniors, the city ‘allows’ them to vote at the city library on Lasalle about 1.5 km away. Sounds good! Except when you realize that they would have to arrange a ride (cost!) or walk. Walking seems simple enough except that they have to cross Chapman St., then the busy entrance to Walmart, then across Lasalle. Not easy especially on a cold, wet, autumn day.
On Sept. 24, I emailed Elections Sudbury requesting help for these residents. All city staff has to do is to bring one of the election buses to the building for an hour instead of parking it at Costco. I have yet to receive a response.
I don’t think this is the way to treat citizens who have contributed all their lives to our city and only want to cast their ballot, as is their democratic right.
I wonder how many other similar situations there are in our city!
More from Terry Kett can be found on his Sudbury.com election page.
