With the upcoming provincial election just around the river bend (Pocahontas anyone?), it is important that the 18+ university students know how to cast a ballot.Why should you vote? This is why.
The first step to voting is making sure that you are registered. If you are not sure if you are registered, you can check at the National Register of Electors. Those who must register to vote are:
· Those who have just turned 18
· New citizens, and
· Voters living abroad
There three ways to register to vote.
1. You may call into Elections Canada at 1-800-463 -6868 to receive the forms you need by mail, or by going online at www.electionscanada.ca. By calling in, you may also check if you are already on the Register and therefore already set to vote.
2. You may register online. Most of the registration process is now completed online. Elections Canada uses E-Register to check whether you are eligible to vote, and provides you with a fill-in printable form. This form then can be mailed, faxed or emailed to Elections Canada. With the registration form, proof of I.D. and home address must also be provided. Scan a copy of your Health Card or Driver’s license to best fulfill this requirement. Make sure that your address complies with your riding. If you are planning on voting in the city where your campus is, as opposed to at home with your parents, Service Ontario has a form you can fill out to request a change in the address on yours cards.
3. You may register at a polling station. Though not preferred, you may arrive on Election Day at a polling station and sign up on the spot. This will require a proof of address and identity similar to the online process. Make sure that the polling station you go to is the one assigned for your address.
So now that you are registered to vote, when and where do you cast your vote?
To answer the question of when, you may vote on election day, June 12, 2014, (erm.. obviously!) or you can participate in an advance poll.
An advance poll takes place at your riding’s polling station on the 7th, 9th, and 10th days before an election (Friday, Saturday and Monday) from Noon- 8 p.m. local time. Of course, you will need your proof of I.D. and address with you. Once you are given your voting kit, you can cast your vote right away or take it with you to cast at a later time. Election day uses the same process, though polling stations may be open all day.
Not only can you go to riding’s polling station to vote, but you can also cast your vote by snail mail. Once your registration has been approved, a voting kit can be sent to you! This kit may be mailed back to Elections Ontario, or can be brought to your riding’s polling station for an advance poll or on election day. A scan of your I.D. must also be sent with your voting kit.
Registering to vote sounds like it may be complicated, but it is really only a click or a call away! Make sure you register soon so you can vote on June 12th!
All this information and more can be found on www.electionscanada.ca .
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