91-year-old veteran says he was denied right to vote in Ontario’s election, despite having proper ID

At the age of 91, veteran Charles Parent has been a dedicated voter, never missing an Ontario election. From casting his ballot while serving overseas in Europe to participating in every local election, he has always valued the importance of exercising his democratic right.

However, during the recent winter snap election, Parent faced a new challenge. Despite bringing the required identification to his polling station in the Bay of Quinte riding, he was denied the opportunity to vote. His daughter, Susan Hyndman, revealed that a polling worker insisted he needed additional ID with his address, even though he had his voter information card and health card, which should have been sufficient according to Elections Ontario guidelines.

This unexpected turn of events left Parent feeling upset and frustrated. His family, who accompanied him to the polling station, was also disheartened by the experience. They were informed by the polling worker that many others had been turned away for similar reasons, raising concerns about the accessibility and clarity of the voting process.

Despite attempting to rectify the situation by contacting Elections Ontario through multiple hotlines, the family’s efforts were in vain. Nikole Hyndman, Parent’s granddaughter, expressed disappointment over the lack of support and communication from the electoral office.

The incident has highlighted the importance of ensuring that voting procedures are clear, accessible, and respectful of all voters, especially vulnerable individuals like Parent. With voter turnout in Ontario reaching a historic low in recent years, every effort should be made to facilitate and encourage participation in the electoral process.

Parent’s dedication to democracy, instilled in him through his military service and personal values, serves as a reminder of the significance of civic engagement. Despite the challenges he faced in this election, he remains committed to upholding his democratic principles and hopes for a more streamlined and inclusive voting experience in the future.