Advance polls in Estevan for the upcoming municipal elections opened up last night at City Hall. The city's residents had an early chance to vote before the November 13 general election.
"They've gone really well. We've had quite a few people through the polls more than expected [and] hoping that this continues," shared city clerk Judy Pilloud.
She noted that early voting was largely status-quo, except for one small concern. "It's about proper ID. So, people who don't necessarily live in the city but own property in the city, they need to ensure that they have the tax notice to go along with their name ID, so that we can understand that they are actually able to vote," Pilloud clarified.
According to the City of Estevan website, this is a small list of what election officials will accept as identification to be able to vote.
- a valid Saskatchewan driver's license
- a valid Saskatchewan ID issued by SGI or any motor license issuer
- other valid government-issued ID with your name and address
Non-photo ID options include:
- Valid ID cards or certificates issued by the Canadian or Saskatchewan government, a Saskatchewan municipality or school division, a Saskatchewan Indian band, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan or an agency of one of these entities.
- Personal correspondence, benefit/contribution statements and tax/assessment notices issued by any of the above entities.
- Bank/credit union cards, credit cards and statements.
- Utility bills and statements issued within six months of the date of the election.
- Personalized attestation of residence, letter of stay or admission form issued by a seniors or student residence, long term care or shelter facility.
A full list of accepted forms of identification is available on the City's website.
City officials expressed that regardless of what form of identification a voter use, it cannot be expired or a reproduction - it must be the original. Documents like utility bills and bank statements must be dated within the last six months preceding November 13.
"I just hope everybody continues to come out and vote and exercise their right," Pilloud said.
Residents will be able to vote early once again tonight inside City Hall from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Another advance poll will be set up at the Estevan Fire Hall on Saturday, November 2 between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Outreach to the hospital and care homes is being developed to ensure everyone gets to vote.
Election day is slated for November 13 with three options for polling places. A 'super poll' will be held at the Church of God from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Two drive-thru polling places will be set up at the Estevan Fire Hall from 9:00 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Suds Zone Car Wash from 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.