June 24, 2010
(Red Deer, Alberta) – This year, individuals who are unable to vote on election day or during advance polls can still participate in the 2010 municipal election by way of special ballot.
Special ballots are available to electors who are unable to vote at an advance vote or at a voting station on election day because of physical incapacity or absence from the local jurisdiction. Returning officers, deputy returning officers, constables, candidates, official agents and scrutineers can also vote by way of special ballot if they are not located on at their designated voting station on election day.
“Essentially, a special ballot is a mail in ballot,” said Frieda McDougall, Deputy Returning Officer. “It gives all citizens an equal opportunity to participate in the municipal election and vote for their municipal council and public or catholic school trustees.”
A voter who believes they are unable to vote on election day or at one of the advance votes can make a request for a special ballot beginning July 1, 2010. Requests are accepted in person, in writing, by telephone, fax or email. Ballots are then mailed to voters after nominations close on September 20, 2010. Special ballots must be received by the Returning Officer by 8 p.m. on election day, Monday, October 18, 2010.
“Voting gives citizens more say in the future of the city of Red Deer. We try to make voting as easy and accessible as we can, and every vote counts,” said McDougall.
Municipal elections are held every three years to elect the offices of Mayor (one position), Councillor (eight positions), Public School Trustee (seven positions) and Catholic School Trustee (five positions).
To be eligible to vote in the municipal election an elector must be at least 18 years old, be a Canadian citizen, not have voted before in this election, have lived in Alberta for the last six months (as of April 18, 2010) and live in Red Deer on election day (or within the area of the Red Deer Regional Catholic Division #39).
For more information about the election processes visit The City’s website at www.reddeer.ca/election. To request a special ballot please contact Legislative & Governance Services at 403-342-8132 or by e-mail at legislativeservices@reddeer.ca.
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For more information, please contact:
Elaine Vincent
Returning Officer
The City of Red Deer
403 -342-8132
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