Campaigning for the Moose Jaw municipal election is kicking into high gear, as candidates begin to announce their platforms and campaign signs continue to pop up across the city.
Earlier this week, the city announced dates and times for advance polling, although city clerk Myron Gulka-Tiechko said it was premature to try to predict how many voters would take advantage of them.
“It’s really hard to say,” he said. “We’re having more polling days this time than we did (in) the last civic election.”
Gulka-Tiechko said the turnout has varied from year to year but also noted that as many as 10 per cent of voters have been known to use advance polling.
The polls, held at City Hall at various dates and times between Oct. 10 and Oct. 20, are open to voters with physical disabilities, those who will serve as polling officials on election day, and those who expect to be away or otherwise unable to vote on Oct. 24.
The city has also announced where and when the polling stations for each city district will be open on election day, as well as special polls open at retirement homes and seniors’ residences across Moose Jaw.
In order to mark a ballot in the municipal election, you must be a Canadian citizen, 18 years of age or older, who has lived in Saskatchewan for at least six months and in Moose Jaw for at least three months.
Non-residents who own property under their name in the City of Moose Jaw may vote for the positions of mayor and council, as well as on the ward system referendum, but they may not take part in the school board election.
Voters will need to bring valid identification: either one piece of government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, or two pieces of ID, both bearing their name and at least one bearing their address.
Mobile polling will also be conducted for voters with physical disabilities or limited mobility, or for those serving as resident caregivers for people with the same. Election officials can travel to the home.
Application forms are available from the city clerk’s office at City Hall, must be submitted by noon on Oct. 19 and are subject to the approval of the returning officer.
For the first time this year, voters may use a mail-in ballot if they are unable to attend either the advance polls or regular poll. Using this option requires the voter to register in person at the city clerk’s office.
Voters wishing to use a mail-in ballot must provide a mailing address of the location where they can be reached during the polling dates. The ballot will be sent to the voter by mail and must be returned by 8 p.m. on Oct. 24.
Information packages will be mailed to voters on Oct. 16 or 17. A map of election areas in Moose Jaw is available from the city website at moosejaw.ca.
For more information, check out Friday's edition of the Times-Herald.
