Time running out to vote by mail

The deadline to request a mail ballot for the upcoming municipal election in Kelowna is looming, the City of Kelowna said in a media release.

The deadline for delivery by Canada Post is Oct. 4 however in-person pickup is available until the end of the day on Oct. 13. The voter is responsible for ensuring the chief election officer receives the completed ballot package by 8 p.m. Oct. 15.

“We want to ensure that everyone who is eligible has convenient access to vote because every vote matters,” said City of Kelowna chief election officer Laura Bentley. “In addition to offering mail ballot voting and advance voting dates, we also provide curbside voting at all locations and a voter assist terminal at Parkinson Recreation Centre. Special voting is conducted at several residential care facilities, and the hospital for patients who are unable to go to a voting location on general voting day.”

Mail ballot voting for the Oct. 15 general local election is available to all eligible voters. Residents can request a vote-by-mail package by completing an online application at kelowna.ca/election, in person at the Office of the City Clerk at City Hall, or by calling 250-469-8645.

The voter assist terminal will be available at Parkinson Recreation Centre to provide an electronic option for electors with differing abilities to mark their ballots privately.

Each voting location provides an option for an individual to take an oath and provide assistance to another voter, including as a translator for the registration process or for assistance to mark a ballot. Election officials will also conduct curbside voting for those unable to enter the voting place.

Eligible voters need to be a resident of the City of Kelowna, be 18 years of age or older on Oct. 15, a Canadian citizen and have lived in B.C. for at least six months. Advance inperson voting begins Oct. 5.