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Can’t cast a ballot on election day? The city opens advance polls next Tuesday.
Eligible voters who aren’t able to cast their ballot at their neighbourhood voting station Oct. 21 will have 10 full days of advance voting beginning Tuesday, the City of Edmonton said Thursday in a news release.
“Edmonton Elections is committed to making the voting process as easy as possible for Edmonton residents,” Laura Kennedy, director of elections, said in the release. “We want to ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to vote, no matter what their circumstances. That’s why we’re offering more advance vote hours this election than ever before.”
From Tuesday through Oct. 12 and again Oct. 15-19, voters can either cast their ballot at City Hall or at the designated voting station for their ward. Those stations will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours will be extended from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 10 and 17.
And on Oct. 16 and 17, onsite voting stations will be set up at facilities that are home to seniors with acute medical and mobility challenges who are unable to get to regular voting stations. Edmonton Elections will also help co- ordinate mail-in ballot services for other senior residences and facilities.
For the first time, advance voting will be in place at several post-secondary institutions — from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at NAIT on Oct.15, MacEwan University on Oct. 16, and the University of Alberta on Oct. 17. Students living in any ward will be able to cast their ballot at one of these voting stations.
At all advance vote locations, those with special needs will have the opportunity to vote independently using an electronic ballot-marking device.
Voters who’ll be out of the city or who are unable to reach their voting station because of a disability also still have time to request a mail-in ballot. Call 780-442-VOTE or apply online at edmontonspecialballot.com.
Voters should also note that identification requirements have changed for this election. Voters must present one piece of authorized identification that establishes both their name and current address to vote. An Alberta driver’s licence, personal cheque or residential utility bill are included in the list of acceptable forms of ID. For more information , visit the city’s website.