The federal election October 19

By Jim Gerwing

As promised last month, here are my final words of advice on casting your ballot in the upcoming federal election on October 19. The changes made in the Fair Election Act makes it a little more complicated for some segments of the Canadian population. It will be much easier (and you might avoid long lines) if you prepare early to do what is necessary.

Electors can choose the voting option that suits them best. Here they are:

1. On election day Monday, October 19.

2. At advance polls from Friday, October 9 to Monday October 12. Yes, it is over Thanksgiving weekend.

3. In person at 722 Johnson before 6 pm, October 13. Open daily. You can vote right now!

4. By mail. You must apply before 6 pm October 13. Application forms can be requested online or by mail, or by calling 1-800-463-6868. Time is of the essence here since voters need to make allowance for the voting kit to reach them, mark their ballot, and return the ballot to Elections Canada by election day deadline or they will not be counted. There is no guarantee that Canada Post can deliver these if you wait until October 13.

All electors need to prove their identity and their address. Here are the lists of acceptable documents. There are three possibilities:

1. Show one of these pieces of ID:

• Your driver’s licence (even if no longer current, as long as it has your name and current address)
• Your provincial or territorial card.
• Any other government card with your photo, name and current address.

2. Show two pieces of ID from this list, at least one of which has your current address.

• Health card
• Canadian Passport
• Birth certificate
• Certificate of Canadian citizenship
• Citizenship card
• Social insurance number card
• Indian status card
• Band membership card
• Métis card
• Card issued by an Inuit local authority
• Canadian Forces identity card
• Veterans Affairs health card
• Old age security card
• Hospital card
• Medical clinic card
• Label on a prescription container
• Identity bracelet issued by a hospital or long-term care facility
• Blood donor card
• CNIB card
• Credit card
• Debit card
• Employee card
• Student identity card
• Public transportation card
• Library card
• Liquor identity card
• Parolee card
• Firearms licence
• Licence or card issued for fishing, trapping or hunting
• Utility bill (eg. Electricity; water; telecommunications services including telephone, cable or satellite)
• Bank statement
• Credit union statement
• Personal cheque
• Government statement of benefits
• Government cheque or cheque stub
• Pension plan statement
• Residential lease or sub-lease
• Mortgage contract or statement
• Income tax assessment
• Property tax assessment or evaluation
• Vehicle ownership
• Insurance certificate, policy or statement
• Correspondence issued by a school, college or university
• Letter from a public curator, public guardian or public trustee
• Targeted revision form from Elections Canada to residents of long-term care facilities
• Letter of confirmation of residence from a First Nations band or reserve or an Inuit local authority
• Letter of confirmation of residence, letter of stay, admission form or statement of benefits from one of the following designated establishments:
• Student residence
• Seniors’ residence
• Long-term care facility
• Shelter
• Soup kitchen
• We accept e-statements and e-invoices. Print them or show them on a mobile device.

3. Show two pieces of ID, neither one having your current address.

• In addition to these you must have someone who knows you who can attest to your address. This person must show proof of identity and address, be registered in the same polling division, and can attest to only one person.

And that brings us to the crucial issue: you must be registered to vote, which you can do in advance or at the polls on voting day or any of the advance voting days. You are registered if you receive your voting card in the mail, as has been done in the past. Bring it to the polling station when you cast your ballot.

What if you do not receive such a card? Visit the Elections Canada website for information. Or call 1-800-463-6868 for information. Better yet, go to 722 Johnson Street to the Elections Canada office and receive their assistance.

As a last resort, if you are the kind of person who just leaves things till it is almost too late, you can try to vote at an advance polling station and find out what you need to do in order to cast your ballot.