Polls, advance polls, and special polls

 

By Susan Hofforth

 

There’s no excuse for not voting! And now, there are many opportunities to vote.  It’s important to cast a vote, and even if you can’t vote when polls officially open, there are other opportunities.

 

Official voting is on October 16 and in Whitecourt it will take place at the Whitecourt Seniors Circle on 5212-50 Street. Polls open at 10:00 AM and close at 8:00 AM. In order to vote in the election, you must be at least 18 years-old, a Canadian citizen, resident in Alberta for the past six consecutive months and a resident of Whitecourt, or a resident of the area where you will vote on election day.

 

An advance polling station will be available on October 11, between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM, also at the Whitecourt Seniors Circle.

 

If you are unable to vote on either day in Whitecourt but you are an eligible voter, you may apply for a special ballot. If you would like to cast an absentee vote, contact Tara Gallant at the Town of Whitecourt to receive a special ballot package, and follow the instructions to submit your vote. You will need to provide voter identification as it is explained in the package. All special ballots must be submitted by 12:00 noon on Monday October 16^th to be valid.

 

All voters must bring ID to prove their name, age, and residence. An Alberta Driver’s Licence or Alberta Identification Card is the typical piece. However, in addition to those there are many forms of acceptable documentation that can be used, such as bank or credit card statements, tax assessment notices, utility bills, vehicle insurance certificates, a statement of government benefits, or attestation of residence from supported housing or a treatment centre. As long as the document is issued by an official body and it has the name and address of the person using it for eligibility, then it will likely be accepted, but for an official list of accepted identification documents, see the web site at www.whitecourt.ca or phone 780-778-4166 to be sure.

 

Don’t forget to vote!