Journal Staff
The 44th Canadian federal election takes place Monday, Sept. 20th, but voters can cast their ballots earlier. For those who are eligible — Canadian citizens at least 18-years-old on Sept. 20 — several voting options exist. Elections Canada staff say COVID-19 protocols are in place at the Returning Office and will be followed diligently at every poll.
VOTING BEFORE ELECTION DAY
The most convenient way to vote right now is to do so at the local Returning Office, located at Unit 3 of 1430 Quinn Dr. That’s at the west end of the Walmart Plaza, immediately south of the Carter's Oshkosh Store. Residents can vote weekdays any time from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. On weekends, the office is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Voting early at the Returning Office is available until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14.
ADVANCE POLLS
Advance polls will be held at 12 sites throughout Lambton County, from Friday, Sept. 10 to Monday, Sept. 13. Each advance poll is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The location for each eligible voter is found on the Voter Information Card (VIC) being mailed to every registered voter.
VOTING BY MAIL
Voting by mail is available before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14. If interested in this option, visit the Elections Canada website at www.elections.ca. Click on the “Vote by Mail” icon and then the “Apply to Vote by Mail” icon. Because a deadline exists for this option, Elections Canada is stressing that interested voters apply as early as possible.
WHAT’S NEEDED TO VOTE
Wherever and whenever you vote, you must present proof verifying your identity and address. A driver's license is the most common method because it’s a government-issued document that features your name and address. Another option is a health card along with, for example, a bill that shows your address. E-statements on mobile phones are also acceptable. The Voter Information Card (VIC) that you have or will receive in the mail also counts as one piece of identification. If you do not receive a VIC, you are still eligible to vote. Personnel at the local Returning Office can provide your polling site.
WORKING FOR ELECTIONS CANADA
Sarnia-Lambton needs more than 700 people to work this election. A Canadian citizen at least 16 years of age by Sept. 20 is eligible to work for Elections Canada. Visit the Elections Canada website, click the “Jobs” icon, and complete the application form under the “Poll Worker Positions” icon. For more on voting, or working the election, call the local Returning Office at 866-281-4745.