Answers to key questions as deadline approaches
Voters encouraged to get their ballots in as postal strike adds snag to process
Elections B.C. is reminding voters participating in the provincewide referendum on electoral reform that the deadline to ask for a voting package is Friday.
But with Canada Post in its fifth week of rotating strikes by thousands of unionized workers, there may be some confusion as to where to get a ballot or whether it will arrive if you mail it this week.
So here are five things to know so far about the mail-in referendum: 1.
When is the deadline?
The deadline to get a voting package is midnight Friday. Ballots must be received by Elections B.C. by 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 30.
2.
Where do I get a voting package if I haven’t received one?
You can ask for one online at elections.bc.ca/ovr.
Another option is to call 1-800661-8683 Thursday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. to midnight.
You can pick one up in person at a Service B.C. Centre or Referendum Service Office. To find the one nearest you, go to elections.bc.ca/rso
3.
Will the strike at Canada Post affect my ballot being received by Elections B.C.?
Elections B.C. says it is monitoring the strike daily, and may extend the deadline if deemed necessary.
The basis for extending the deadline would be if job action prevents voters from participating through no fault of their own. But don’t wait to find out if there will be an extension.
Elections B.C. is encouraging voters to mail in their completed voting package as soon as possible.
On Wednesday, the federal government gave notice that it is prepared to legislate Canada Post employees back to work, so the problem may be resolved soon.
There is still a backlog of mail though.
If you miss the mail-in deadline, you can still drop off your completed ballot at any Service B.C. or Referendum Service Office. For a list of those offices in your area, visit the Elections B.C. website.
4.
What’s on the ballot?
The mail-in referendum asks voters whether they want to change to a proportional representation voting system or stick with first past the post.
If you vote for pro-rep, there is a second question asking you to rank your preferred choices for the type of pro-rep system out of three options.
You can still answer this question if you vote to stick with first past the post.
A majority of 50 per cent plus one is needed to win.
5.
What if I still don’t know which one to vote for?
Elections B.C. has information about the different proportional representation systems on its website. You may also want to read up on what each side has to say on the issue.
Go to vancouversun.com to read our archive of stories and opinion pieces on the referendum.