Know your rights

The Canadian election advance poll opens today.  The advance poll is four consecutive days.  Election day is Monday, October 21st.   It's your right to vote, so please get to the polling station.  Should you need a ride, call the party your NOT voting for and ask for a ride.  That was the trick my grandmother always did.  She had a great sense of humour.

Who has the right to vote?

Anyone who is at least 18 years old on Election Day, is a Canadian citizen and can prove their identity and address is entitled to vote. That includes those serving prison sentences (by special ballot), those living abroad (by mail), students on campuses, those living in long-term care homes, and people who are homeless or of no fixed address.

What ID is acceptable?

Elections Canada accepts a long list of documents to prove ID. It is enough just to show a driver’s licence or other card issued by a Canadian government. Or, along with a voter information card, a voter can show a bank statement, utility bill, passport, credit or debit card, employee card or label on a prescription bottle. ID can be expired, but must be shown in its original form. Copies are not accepted. ID must be in English or French, or in Inuktitut in Nunavut.

Things to know:
“If anyone confronts you for your ID outside a polling station, you don’t need to show anything, unless they are from Elections Canada or law enforcement. Demand ID from them and look for a badge.”  

You cannot take pictures inside a polling station.  And for the workers: don't wear anything Conservative Blue, Tory Red, NDP Orange or Green Party Green!  That's most of my wardrobe!