The News contacted each candidate running in the federal election for the riding of Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge with questions – from their age and occupation, to what is the key issue in the current election.
All five candidates responded with their answers.
General voting day in the riding will be April 28, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voter Cards: Registered voters should have received voter cards that show name, address, riding, and locations for general voting on April 28, and advance voting locations. People who did not receive their cards can check elections.ca or call 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY). They can also do updates and registration at any Elections Canada office before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22.
You can vote in person at any Elections Canada office across the country, anytime before April 22, at 6 p.m.
In Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge, the Elections Canada office is at Golden Ears Business Park, 19100 Airport Way, Suite 517, Pitt Meadows. It is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
Vote by mail: If you apply by April 22 at 6 p.m. You will be mailed a voting kit, and can mail back the completed ballot. Your voting kit contains everything you need to return your ballot to Elections Canada, including a prepaid envelope. Elections Canada advises those voting by mail to vote early. It is a good option for people who will be away from home, or outside of their riding, on election day or advance polling.
Vote at advance polls, and search for your voting location on the Elections Canada website at elections.ca, using your postal code.
Voter ID
Option 1:
• driver’s licence
• any other card issued by a Canadian government (federal, provincial/territorial or local) with photo, name and current address
Option 2:
• two pieces of ID with your name. One must have a current address. Accepted: voter information card, bank statement, utility bill, student ID card, birth certificate, band membership card, firearms licence, Old Age Security card, credit card, parolee card, property tax assessment. (Complete list is at elections.ca).
Option 3:
• make a declaration. This must include someone to vouch for the voter at the polling station. See complete rules online.
Time off to vote: By law, everyone who is eligible to vote must have three consecutive hours to cast their vote on election day. If your hours of work do not allow for three consecutive hours to vote, your employer must give you time off but gets to decide when.
