Defending Ontarians’ Right To Vote
McGuinty Government Cracks Down On Election Fraud, Protects Voters
Ontarians will now be better protected against misleading phone calls and other fraudulent attempts to stop them from voting.
The Ensuring Integrity in Ontario Elections Act, 2011, which was passed today in the legislature, makes it illegal to:
- impede or attempt to stop a citizen from voting by providing false information directly or indirectly, such as providing voters with incorrect information on the polling station where they would be voting in a provincial election
- impersonate an agent or representative of Elections Ontario, a provincial candidate, or a representative of a candidate, political party or constituency association
- direct or hire someone or a company to commit the above offences.
Anyone caught breaking the new law will face tough penalties, including fines of up to $25,000 and up to two years less a day in prison.
QUICK FACTS
- Provincial elections are held every four years in Ontario. The next election is scheduled for October 6, 2011.
- Penalties for existing offences under the Election Act, such as voting twice or providing false residency information, will also increase from a maximum fine of $5,000 up to $25,000, and up to two years less a day in jail.
