Ontarians celebrating Diwali concerned municipal election interferes with festival

Ontarians who celebrate Diwali are voicing their concerns about the province’s municipal elections scheduled during the South Asian holiday, which many compare to Christmas.

Municipal election dates are fixed under a provincial act. The Ontario government says those who cannot go to the polls on election day can vote by mail, at advance voting stations or by proxy.

Others believe those options put their communities at a disadvantage.

READ MORE: Hamilton residents can vote by mail this October municipal election

Ryan Singh, the chair of the Indo-Caribbean Canadian Association, says there could be lower voter turnout among those who celebrate Diwali.

He has yet to receive a response from the province following his letter calling on it to change the election date.

Melissa Diakoumeas, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, says the election date is determined by an act that sets it for the fourth Monday of October.

She recommends those who cannot vote on election day use other available options such as advance, proxy, mail-in or internet voting as available.

READ MORE: Improving voter turnout in the upcoming municipal election

Ayesha Khan, a Toronto voter and campaign volunteer, says the majority of voters cast ballots on election day and having the election on Diwali impacts those who celebrate it.

Diwali is a religious and cultural festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, and it falls on Oct. 24 this year.