Do you know who you're going to vote for? Toronto residents will be able to cast their ballot ahead of the Oct. 21 election day.
Advanced polling stations open Friday, Oct. 11 to Monday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. While candidates are still vying for your votes, especially with federal parties addressing their plans to curtail the affordable housing crisis, most have already decided on their party of choice – especially millennials, who plan to come out in droves. According to Abacus, millennial voters (individuals who are born between 1980 and 2000) will have a huge impact on the upcoming federal election.
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Students, faculty, and staff of universities and colleges will have the opportunity to cast their votes on campus between Saturday, Oct. 5 and Wednesday, Oct. 9 from morning until evening. These include Centennial College, George Brown College, Ryerson University, Seneca College, the University of Toronto, and York University.
If you aren’t sure of where your polling station is, you can call your nearest Elections Canada office. To do this, enter your postal code into the Voter Information Service website or check your voter registration card.
Not in town? Apply online for a special ballot voting kit. It lets you vote from anywhere in the world. However, your request will have to be mailed out soon as the deadline for receipt of your completed and mailed ballot is Oct. 15.
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The kit includes: a special ballot, a blank white envelope, an envelope with your name, riding, and a space where you can sign, a return envelope, and voting instruction.
You might also have the option of using the Canadian embassy or consulate as your mailing address – though you would have to arrange it beforehand.
For online applications, make sure you have digital images of at least two pieces of identification with your picture, name, and current address. That includes a driver's license, health card, phone bills, and bank statements.
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Or, if you are in the country at this point, you can bring any of these pieces of ID to your nearest Elections Canada office – though you'll have to take an oath.
But no matter how you do it, make sure you exercise your democratic right! Put a sticky note on the front door if you have to! Get ready to vote.
