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The first in person opportunity to vote in the upcoming provincial election starts Saturday. Advance polls begin today through September 30th.
Manitobans can vote at any one of 300 advance polling locations in the province. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Mike Ambrose is Director of Communications and Public Information for Elections Manitoba. He notes to be eligible to vote in the 43rd general election, you need to be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age on election day and a resident of Manitoba for six months prior to election day.
All voters require ID to vote, either one piece of government-issued photo ID with their address on it or two other pieces of ID. Examples of government-issued photo ID can include driver's license and Manitoba identification card. The two other documents that have your name can include passport, treaty card, Manitoba Health card, Social Insurance card, utility bill, credit card or Declaration of First Nation Guarantor for Proof of Identity.
Voters are encouraged to bring their Voter Information Card, which can be used as one piece of ID.
Ambrose says most Voter Information Cards have been sent out. There is a round of revised Voter Information Cards that are now in the mail and should be arriving any day now. Ambrose stresses that if you did not get a Voter Information Card, you can still vote, though it may just take a little longer. If you have not received a Voter Information Card, Ambrose says you can get a copy emailed by contacting their office at 204-945-3225.
Meanwhile, voters who will be away on election day, and during advance voting, can apply for absentee voting by September 30th at 8 p.m., but are encouraged to apply early, so they have enough time to receive and return their ballot.
Also, those unable to go in person to a polling place, due to a disability, may apply to vote at home. Applications are available online, or from the local election office, and must be received at the local election office by 8 p.m. on October 2nd.