Photo credit: globalnews.ca
Advance Voting Begins for Canada’s Federal Election
Canadians are set to participate in the federal election this weekend, with advance polling commencing on Friday, April 18. According to Elections Canada, voters will have several opportunities to cast their ballots prior to the official election day.
Advance voting will be available on four consecutive days: Friday, April 18; Saturday, April 19; Sunday, April 20; and Monday, April 21. Polling stations will operate from 9 AM to 9 PM local time on these dates.
The main election day is scheduled for April 28. Unlike some provincial and municipal elections, federal elections mandate that voters must vote at their designated polling stations, as clarified in a statement from Elections Canada.
If you are unsure of your polling location, you can easily find this information by visiting elections.ca and entering your postal code, or by contacting Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868.
For those who miss the advance voting period, additional options are available. Voters can cast their ballots at any Elections Canada office until Tuesday, April 22, before 6 PM local time. Furthermore, mail-in voting is also an option; voters can apply online for a special ballot and must return it via mail by the stated deadline.
If your return envelope is designated for your local Elections Canada office, you also have the option to drop off your ballot in person before the polls close on election day. Additionally, Elections Canada is actively recruiting poll workers for various temporary positions during the election period.
Identification Requirements for Voters
The first option is to present a driver’s license or any government-issued card that features your photo, name, and current address.
Another alternative is to provide two pieces of identification as outlined by Elections Canada, which maintains a comprehensive list of acceptable ID on its website.
If neither option is feasible, voters have the right to declare their identity and address in writing, with the provision that someone from the polling station vouches for them. It is essential that the individual providing the vouch must also verify their own identity and address, and they can only vouch for a single person.
Most Canadian citizens aged 18 or older have the right to vote and are typically included in the National Register of Electors. To ensure you receive a voter information card by mail, it is advisable to check the online voter registration service, call 1-800-463-6868, or visit a local Elections Canada office. Remember to bring an accepted form of identification and proof of address for the registration process.
If you have not yet registered but are eligible to vote, you can do so online or in person at an Elections Canada office. Registration is also facilitated seamlessly at the polling station on the election day itself.
Source
globalnews.ca