SASKATOON – It’s still weeks away but for any of you who want to get a jump on the Canadian Federal Election, you can. Officials say Canadians wanting to cast their ballots ahead of Oct. 19 have plenty of options this time around and more days of advance voting to choose from.
During the 2011 federal election, 2,111,542 electors cast their votes at the advance polls held over Passover and the Easter long weekend, representing 14 per cent of all those who voted.
Officials with Elections Canada couldn’t say what percentage of Saskatchewan’s population voted in advance during the last federal election but even they admit to having taken advantage of early polls in the past.
“Some people just don’t want to have to deal with lineups, October 19th is a work day, it doesn’t fit their schedule,” said Marie-France Kenny, the regional media advisor for Elections Canada.
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“They have kids to pick up so for people to go and vote in advance is convenient.”
A total of four advance voting days will be held this federal election, up from three. Polls will open at noon at close at 8 p.m. CT staring Friday, Oct. 9 through to Monday, Oct. 12, which will coincide with Thanksgiving weekend.
READ MORE: Important times, dates and info for voting in the 2015 federal election
If you haven’t received your voter information card telling you the address of your advance polling station, expect it in the mail some time this week.
“Make sure that your address and name are correct on it otherwise call your Elections Canada local office.”
If you don’t get a card, you can register online, by mail or in person at your local Elections Canada office. Those eligible to vote must be a Canadian citizen and 18- years-old or older.
Kenny also noted that if you’re out of the country or you can’t vote during advance polls or election day there’s no cause for concern. You can vote at one of 400 Elections Canada offices across the country before the deadline of Tuesday, Oct. 13.
There’s also the old fashion way by using snail mail.
If you want to vote by mail but can’t apply online, you are encourage to visit any Elections Canada office or mail in an application form.
Voters are reminded to bring along ID as you must prove your identity and address when in person. For a full list of ID options accepted at the polls, visit Elections Canada.
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