Starting in fall 2019, tenants had the opportunity to vote for the local engagement option of their choice. Tenant engagement activities, including any outstanding local model selection, were temporarily put on hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As TCHC moves to restart services in phases, tenant engagement activities will start in phases as well. Communities who were not able to complete local model selection in 2020 will do so before they move into Community Representative elections.
The health and safety of tenants and staff is top priority. TCHC is working closely with Toronto Public Health to establish additional safety protocols to protect tenants who wish to participate in election activities. We are also monitoring updates from the provincial government and so these protocols may change as updates are released.
The following information is for communities that have not completed local model selection yet.
What am I voting on?
Tenants will be able to vote for the local engagement option of their choice at the building or townhouse level in the refreshed Tenant Engagement System.
If tenants chose to be represented at the building or townhouse level and participate in the Tenant Engagement System, there are two options for them to choose from – Community Representatives or Building/Townhouse committee. If tenants choose to be independent of the Tenant Engagement System, they can choose to have a Tenant association or No representation in local decision-making.
Where do I vote?
Tenants will vote in their building or townhouse community. The location will vary by community. Keep a look out for posters and other communication materials, or contact your local Community Services Coordinator (CSC). Not sure who your CSC is? Call our Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500 and they will direct you to the right person.
Who can vote?
- A TCHC tenant; and
- 16 years of age or older; and
- Listed on the lease agreement
When do I vote?
Voting began in fall 2019, but was put on pause in early 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The TCHC Board of Directors approved resuming the Tenant Elections in a multi-phased approach. Communities will complete local engagement model selection before they complete Community Representative elections in their assigned phases.
Keep a look out for posters and other communications materials that speak to when voting will happen in your community.
What is the voting process on voting day*?
- Staff will verify that tenants are on the household lease agreement
- The Local Engagement Options video will be available to watch at the voting location
- Tenants will receive a ballot and vote for one option behind a voting screen and the marked ballot will be placed in the ballot box
- Once voting closes, two tenant volunteers will count the votes publicly and sign off on the results.
- The results will be documented and posted in the community
*Voting process is subject to change based on safety protocols and recommendations from Toronto Public Health.
Once my ballot has been cast, can it be changed?
No. Once a ballot has been submitted it cannot be changed.
How is voter information kept private and secure?
TCHC takes measures to make sure personal information of voters is kept secure and is used for authorized purposes only. Voter information collected can only be used for Tenant Engagement purposes.
The honesty of the voting process and privacy of your vote is very important. No person shall:
- Vote without being qualified to do so
- Vote more than once
- Interfere with a voter who is marking their ballot
- Get or try to get information about how a voter has or will vote
