New method will give all electors a chance to vote

By Gillian Slade on September 8, 2017.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

Whether you have a disability or will be travelling on the day of the municipal election there is a way to make your vote count.

Special “Express Vote” machines are being made available at the advance polls to address specific requirements for those with a disability, said city clerk Angela Cruickshank, the returning officer in the municipal election.

There are a couple of options to refine the display on the monitor of the machines but there are also headphones providing audio to prompt you through the process. Those familiar with Braille have the option of using an accompanying “Braille reader” to respond to the voice prompts. It is the first time Medicine Hat has used this equipment, rented through a company for elections. Several individuals tested the machines Thursday at an advisory committee meeting on disability issues and had satisfactory results.

For anyone who anticipates using the Express Vote machines but would like an opportunity to become familiar with them before voting, you can do so on Sept. 22 between 10:30 a.m. and noon at Strathcona Centre.

The cut-off date for candidates to register (nomination day) is Sept. 18 at noon.

The election, which will decide council, the mayor and school board trustees, is Oct. 16, with polls open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Locations are still to be announced.

Advance polls at city hall are available for any qualified voter to use on Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 10 and 11 from 2-8 p.m., and Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There is also an advance poll at Medicine Hat College on Oct. 13 from 2-8 p.m.

The advance poll for Redcliff is on Oct. 4 from noon to 8 p.m. in the Redcliff Library.

You must 18 years old or older to vote and have lived here at least six months. You will be asked to provide photo identification and proof of address. A driver’s licence is ideal but if you have photo identification and a utility bill, government correspondence or bank statement showing your address that is also acceptable, said Cruickshank.

A mail-in ballot is also an option, as is voting from home, thanks to an election day roving team. For these options you need to make a request in advance, said Cruickshank.

Special ballots are only available to electors who cannot attend an advance poll or on election day. They will be asked to identify their inability to vote due to a physical incapacity, absence from the local jurisdiction or being involved in the election or a campaign. If that is you, contact the election co-ordinator 403-529-8382.

Packages will be mailed out or made available for pickup at city hall after Sept. 18. Electors need to mark their ballot, attach a copy of authorized identification, and mail or return the ballot to the returning officer by 4:30 p.m. Oct. 16.

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