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Province Takes Steps to Modernize Voting Process

The provincial government is taking steps to make voting and becoming a candidate easier in a COVID-19 environment.

The proposed "Protecting Ontario Elections Act, 2021" suggests providing guards against threats such as the potential long-term impact of the pandemic, irregular campaign spending and collusion. 

Several amendments have been proposed, including increasing the number of advance polling days and doubling the amount individuals can donate to a candidate.

It also suggests extending third-party advertising spending limits from six to 12 months before an election period. 

Attorney General Doug Downey spoke of the need for these changes. 

"We strongly believe that Ontario voters should determine the outcome of elections, not big corporations or unions, American-style political action groups or other outside influences. That's why we are proposing legislative action to protect Ontarians' essential voice in campaigns and to make it easier to cast a vote safely in an advance poll or on election day. These amendments would help modernize Ontario's electoral process and ensure it is updated to meet urgent challenges, including COVID-19."

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