Doug Sartori says he remembers casting his vote in the 2018 municipal elections at a polling station that was only a few buildings away from his home in Ward 1.

But in October of this year, that same polling station may no longer be open.

This is according to the City of Windsor map which indicates that the number of polling stations where the public can vote in the 2022 elections will be limited to only three per ward.

Sartori said, "Having a polling place close to where you are has a big impact that encourages people to get out and vote."

In comparison, the 2018 municipal elections saw each ward having between six and nine polling stations each.

After looking at the polling station map that appears to have been last updated on April 29, Sartori said his direct concern was access to voting.

He added, "Voter participation is a fundamental element of democracy... I am concerned that we will see a decline in turnout in this upcoming election."

But according to Terry Knight-Lapin, the elections and records manager for the City of Windsor, the map currently on the city's website has not been finalized.

Leapin said, "The possibility of the return of the COVID-19 pandemic still remains at the forefront of decision-making, which is why the city has been more thoughtful about polling stations for the municipal election in October.

Some strategies include creating polling stations closely along transit routes and in locations that can accommodate more people."

Leapin said, "While there may not be seven, eight, or nine polling boxes in the ward - there may be four or five - but they are bigger, in more accessible locations."