In advance of the federal election on September 20, the Elections Canada office for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston is open at Settlers Ridge Centre in Smiths Falls for early voting. Jackie Staples, recruitment supervisor for Elections Canada in Smiths Falls, said voters from all ridings are welcome to cast their vote at this location.
Staples added that you don’t need a voter card, but you are required to present two pieces of identification, one of which must include your address. The Elections Canada office is open Monday through Friday, 9am-9pm; Saturday 9am-6pm; and Sunday 12pm-4pm until 6pm September 14.
“You can come here any day and vote,” emphasized Staples, “and avoid the lineup on voting day.”
This is the special ballot process, slightly different from voting at Advance Polls or on Election Day. An election worker will greet you and ask for proof of identity and address. You will confirm your information on their computer screen. Then, you will be given a ballot and instructions. You will go behind the voting screen, mark your ballot, and return to the election worker. The worker will give you two envelopes: place your ballot in the unmarked envelope and seal it; then place that unmarked envelope in the outer envelope and seal it. After this, read the declaration on the outer envelope and sign it. When it is time to count the ballots, an election worker will remove all the outer envelopes and place the unmarked inner envelopes into the ballot box.
For any who would like to get their vote in before September 20, this is a socially distant option that is open to everyone. Voting by mail is also an option for those who have requested mail-in ballots; Staples added with a note of urgency, “get them back in as soon as you receive them. Don’t wait.”
Elections Canada is looking for staff to work the polling stations on September 20, 8am-10pm. A (paid) training session will also be required, which takes 3-6 hours. To anyone who is interested in working for Elections Canada during this election, please contact Jackie Staples at 866-241-7891 ext. 1005, or Brenda Healey at ext. 1006.
Article by Janelle Labelle
