New city portal replaces provincial site; deadline set for Sept. 15
The City of Woodstock is reminding residents to check and, if necessary, update their names on the municipal voters list after the province’s online registration site was removed.
Woodstock’s returning officer, Jeff Bunn, confirmed the municipality launched its own voter-registration portal on Aug. 17. The city says residents who have not yet confirmed their registration information can visit the portal after Aug. 18 to verify their details, correct errors or add themselves to the voters list.
"Residents who have not confirmed their voter registration information will be able to look on our website after August 18th to confirm that the information is accurate. If it's not accurate, they can change or correct it and then can even add themselves to the list as well."
The municipal election is scheduled for Oct. 26. Woodstock will hold its first hybrid election this year, allowing electors to cast ballots either online or in person at polling stations.
Why the Sept. 15 deadline matters
Bunn emphasised that electors who intend to use the online option must make sure they are registered by Sept. 15. The city will mail a voter notification letter that contains the personal identification number (PIN) needed to access an online ballot.
"If an elector does wish to vote online, they will receive a voter notification letter in the mail and that is critical because that will also include their pin so they can access their online ballot. So making sure they are on the voters list by September 15th is critical to make sure they get that letter in the mail."
Without that letter, electors who had planned to vote online would not have the credentials required to access their ballot electronically. The city’s move to provide both online and in-person options follows broader trends in municipal voting that aim to increase accessibility while preserving traditional polling stations.
Steps Woodstock residents should take now
- Visit the city’s voter-registration portal after Aug. 18 to confirm or update registration details.
- Ensure registration is completed by Sept. 15 if you plan to vote online, so the voter notification letter and PIN arrive by mail.
- Plan for in-person voting on Oct. 26 if you prefer not to vote online or do not receive the mail package in time.
Local electors who have questions about the new portal or about registration procedures should consult the City of Woodstock website for official instructions and contact information for election staff.
Important dates at a glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| City’s voter portal launch | Aug. 17 (portal usable after Aug. 18) |
| Deadline to be on voters list for online PIN mailout | Sept. 15 |
| Municipal election day | Oct. 26 |
Woodstock’s transition away from the provincial registration site to a city-run portal raises practical questions for some voters, particularly those in rural parts of Oxford County where mailing delays or address changes can affect receipt of election materials. City election staff are responsible for ensuring voters receive notification letters and PINs in time for online voting.
The hybrid model aims to balance convenience with accessibility. For some residents, online voting removes barriers such as travel or mobility constraints; for others, the physical ballot and polling station remain a more comfortable or reliable option. Ensuring the accuracy of the voters list is the first step to making either method available to each eligible elector.
Woodstock residents should act promptly to avoid being excluded from the online option and to ensure their participation in the municipal vote that will select local councillors and the mayor responsible for decisions affecting services, infrastructure and local taxation.
