Portage City Hall has approved a joint election with the Portage la Prairie School Division and will split the expenses evenly.
Second to the Finance, Legislative & Property Committee Ryan Espey says that having the elections together isn't a new concept in the slightest.
"It really is the status quo because we've been doing this for as long as I can remember," notes Espey. "but the main motivator is it simplifies things that give people have one place to vote."
He adds it helps both sides save money, as the expenses are split 50/50, and it allows election officials to work for both at the same time. If you're interested in running for election, Espey notes the first few steps.
"The first step is just making that decision, talking with your family, and understanding time commitments," explains Espey. "Back when I first ran for council, I would attend council meetings and learn as much as I could about the process. Then you need to do the nomination papers which is at a much later stage, but you need to start thinking about that now."
The election is set for October 26.