The City of Cambridge has launched a third-party review in response to an error made in the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) trustee election, last month.
The election, held on Oct. 24, had been suspended after the City of Cambridge declared "an emergency under the Elections Act" to temporarily postpone voting for Catholic board trustees after two candidates were left off the ballot.
“The city has decided to engage in a third-party review, and we are in the process of arranging this. Whenever an error is made in our organization, it is important for us to look into ‘how and why’ so that we can ensure improvements towards future processes,” said Allison Jones, supervisor of Communications at the City of Cambridge.
“The independent review will help us assess how to approach things going forward. A report will be prepared once the review has been completed.”
The City of Cambridge confirmed that retired regional clerk, Kris Fletcher, is leading the review.
“As we work to complete the resumption of the WCDSB election, the scope of the review is still being confirmed. A report, including costs will be prepared once the review has been completed,” Jones said.
Polls for the WCDSB trustee election re-opened on Monday in Cambridge and will close on Friday.
Approximately 1,700 ballots had been cast during the municipal election, before the emergency declaration. Those votes have now been voided.
The mishap generated negative reactions from the public.
Newly elected North Dumfries councillor, Alida Wilms, wrote a letter to politicians calling for an investigation.
“I wanted to do this because I just couldn’t believe that this was happening. Hearing about the fallout and what this would mean for Catholic voters and for the candidates who still have to run, I think it’s a matter that is impacting people across the region. It makes all of us as candidates want to ask questions about the electoral process.”
Wilms says everyone need to know the facts, to restore trust in the process itself.
“Municipal elections are complicated. As a voter, you vote for many different positions. And I’m sure it must be very difficult to run. I commend city clerks for taking it on,” Wilms said.
“This emergency had many implications to voters who were required to vote twice, to the school board itself, and to candidates who had their campaigns suddenly extended. An investigation into the causes and consequences of this emergency would benefit all of us in Waterloo Region, as it will answer important questions about the electoral process. We deeply care about our community and support a fair and transparent electoral system."
Although votes from North Dumfries are counted with Cambridge, their ballots were not affected by this mistake and their votes will be sealed and combined with Cambridge's when the election is completed.
For more information about the election, visit the City of Cambridge website.
