Elections BC opened its district electoral office in Williams Lake Monday, April 10, while the writs were issued Tuesday for B.C.’s 41st Provincial General Election.
“This year, province-wide, there will be six advanced polls instead of the usual four,” said district electoral officer Lorne Landry, noting General Voting Day is May 9.
Located at 280E Third Avenue North, across from the old Sears store, the office in Williams Lake is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The advanced polls will take place in the Elks Hall at 98 First Avenue South on April 29 and 30 and May 3,4,5 and 6 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“We will also have advanced polls for the first time at Anahim Lake on April 29 and Alexis Creek on April 30, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.,” said deputy district electoral officer Linda Isfeld. “We are trying advanced polls in the outlying areas to see what kind of response we get.”
Voters can expect to receive their Where to Vote cards in the mail after April 20.
“People should bring the cards with them when voting, because with it we can find them in the system right away,” Landry said.
For people who cannot make it on voting day or to any of the advanced polls because of special circumstances, they can vote at the BC Elections office.
“Our office will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the advanced poll days as well as election day,” Landry said.
To be eligible, voters must be 18 years of age or older on May 9, be a Canadian citizen and a resident of B.C. for the last six months.
Voters must prove their identity and residential address with one piece of photo Government identification, certificate of First Nation status or two documents that contain the voter’s name, one with an address.
Two all-candidate forums are planned for Williams Lake.
BC2030 and the Council of Canadians will host one Thursday, April 20 at the Gibraltar Room beginning at 7 p.m.
The Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting one Thursday, April 27 at Signal Point, with advance tickets only, $19 for members and $25 for non-members.