Plans underway ahead of Calgary General Election in October

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Election worker applications and vote by mail open Tuesday ahead of the Oct. 18 General Election.

Elections Calgary is looking to fill 3,600 short-term paid positions for the upcoming municipal vote.

“Elections Calgary is looking for customer-focused and collaborative individuals who are passionate about their community and interested in the democratic process,” said Kate Martin, Returning Officer for the 2021 General Election.

“Elections are an important time for Calgarians as they choose future leaders to guide our city. Election workers ensure the voting process is safe, accessible, and efficient.”

Elections Calgary explains you do not have to be a Canadian citizen to work the election however, some requirements must be met, including:

• Eligible to work in Canada;
• At least 18 years of age for most positions (a limited number of positions are available for youth who are 16 and 17 years old);
• Available to complete an online training course (approx. 1 hr) and attend a 2-4 hour daytime training session in September/October. The training time ranges depending on the election worker’s role;
• Available to work extended hours on Election Day (Oct. 18) and during the Advance Vote (Oct. 4-10).

If you meet these qualifications and want to join the team, complete an application here, or call 403-476-4100 for more information.

“Due to the expected volume of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted,” states Elections Calgary.

Requesting a special mail-in ballot

This option is available for individuals who are unable to vote during the Advance Vote, or on Election Day due to a disability or illness, an absence from your place of residence, or if you are an election worker, a candidate, campaign worker or scrutineer.

Between now and noon on Election Day eligible voters can make a request for a mail-in ballot, through one of these methods:

• Online;
• By email;
• By telephone: 403-476-4100;
• In-person or by mail: Elections Calgary office: 2340 22 Street N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 8B7.

“Ballots and information packages will be mailed to requestors in late September, or can be picked up at the Elections Calgary office when ready,” states Elections Calgary.

“Once received, voters need to follow the instructions to fill out the ballots and envelope, and return the package by mail, in person at the Elections Calgary office, or at one of the six secure drop boxes located throughout the city in late September.”

When you submit your ballot or head to the polls, you’ll be asked to elect a mayor, one of 14 councillors, one of seven Calgary Board of Education trustees, and one of seven Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division trustees.

Additionally, there will be a vote on the reintroduction of fluoride into the municipal water system.

“A provincial ballot will also be included in the 2021 General Election to elect senators representing Alberta and to vote on referendum questions,” states Elections Calgary.

“This election has some changes to ward boundaries. Voters are encouraged to make sure they know what ward they are voting in and learn more about added voting stations in their neighbourhoods with extended hours.”

For more information about the candidates and ways to vote, visit the Elections Calgary website, or call (403)-476-4100.