Casting a ballot for the 2019 federal election is the single most important action of the entire democratic process 鈥� and it can be overwhelming to some who may be new to an area or have never even voted before.
Anrea Marantz, spokesperson for Election Canada, said there are a few steps and details people should know as they drop their vote into the ballot box.
鈥淧eople really need to bear in mind that the federal election has assigned polling places. Voter info cards say right on them where people can cast their ballot,鈥� Marantz explained.
鈥淚f you didn鈥檛 receive your voter card, people can visit and put in their postal code,鈥� she added. 鈥淚f that鈥檚 not clear, call the local returning office.鈥�
Cloverdale-91原创 City鈥檚 Elections Canada office is located at the 91原创 Professional Building, 20316 56 Avenue, Suite 101.
The local returning officer is Keanu Howarth and people can phone 1-866-499-8026 to have their questions answered.
91原创-Aldergrove鈥檚 Elections Canada office is located at 8948 202 Street, Suite 10.
The local returning officer is Cathy Li and people can phone 1-866-545-0622 to have their questions answered.
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Once a person鈥檚 polling station is determined, Marantz said a valid ID is pertinent.
鈥淲hen you go, take your driver鈥檚 license 鈥� it covers everything you need 鈥� a picture ID with address. If you don鈥檛 have one, bring two pieces of identification, both with your name and one with your address,鈥� Marantz said.
An entire list or can be used as voter identification can be found .
Pole numbers can be a confusing step, Marantz admitted, but once at the location, people will be there to direct people to the correct station.
鈥淭he station number is on people鈥檚 voter card. Then they鈥檒l cross your name off and issue your ballot,鈥� she added.
The mark made on the ballot is often a source of contention, but Marantz said the best way to have your vote count is to make your intentions clear.
鈥淭he ballot is simple, with candidates and their affiliated parties 鈥� that鈥檚 it. Make an x or a check鈥� some people fill in the circle completely 鈥� but only one clear mark,鈥� Marantz explained.
She added that if the mark is outside the circle, that could issue a challenge and discredit the ballot entirely.
鈥淒on鈥檛 write anything 鈥� no political statement,鈥� Marantz advised. 鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 accomplish anything and is an ineffective protest.鈥�
When it comes to the big moment of officially casting the ballot into the ballot box, Marantz said not to fold the paper too many times 鈥� one time is plenty.
People can do it themselves or give their ballot to the polling clerk to cast, she said, but they鈥檒l guide you through the process to make sure it gets in that box.
鈥滵on鈥檛 be discouraged by a line-up,鈥� Marantz added. 鈥淵ou won鈥檛 be sent home if you鈥檙e still waiting in line at 7 p.m.鈥�
Voting hours at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 21.
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Email: ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
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