MARKHAM VOTES: Markham using artificial intelligence to help voters find their ward, local candidates and more

You're encouraged to check the voter checklist to get ready for the October municipal election

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 28, 2022
Irene Wong

With the 2022 Markham Municipal Election just around the corner, Markham launches the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Virtual Assistant to offer 24-hour support on the website for voters looking for timely election information.

Not sure how to vote online? Need help registering to vote? Want to find out how to donate to a candidate’s campaign? The virtual assistant is able to answer these questions and many more.

The AI Virtual Assistant is powered by IBM Watson Assistant. It has the ability to answer all your municipal election questions anywhere, any time.

“Our work with City of Markham is a great example of how AI-powered solutions and natural language processing can help government organizations to quickly deliver critical information and services to voters,” said Frank Attaie, General Manager -- Technology, IBM Canada.

The virtual assistant builds robust conversational solutions addressing voters’ inquiries online. While voters are learning more about the election, the virtual assistant also learns about your questions, which improves its ability to provide reliable, accurate and timely answers.

“Elections Markham is proud to launch its virtual assistant for the 2022 Markham Municipal Election and provide online customer service around the clock,” said Kimberley Kitteringham, city clerk / returning officer, City of Markham.

Election Markham also rolls out a voter checklist. You can go step by step and get ready to vote.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility to vote;

Step 2: Check, update or add your information to the municipal voters’ list;

Step 3: Watch for your voter information letter in mailbox by Oct. 12;

Step 4: Choose the voting option that works best for you: online, paper ballot, in-person touch screen or Elections Markham Returning Office;

Step 5: Find out who's running for office and learn about candidates and local issues. We have compiled the list of candidates & their profiles here; and

Step 6: Cast your vote from Oct. 14 to 24.

Go to electionsmarkham.ca for the voter checklist.