Although election day is still more than a week away, those who want to get a head start on voting can take part in advance polls this weekend.
Advance voting is open Friday and Saturday, April 22 and 23, as well as Monday, April 25.
Polling stations will be open from noon to 8 p.m.
To vote at the early bird polls you must be registered to vote, and be able to prove your identity and address.
If you are not yet registered to vote, you may register at your polling station.
In order to prove your identity, Elections Canada requires either one piece of government-issued picture ID, such as a driver’s license, or two pieces of authorized identification, such as a utility bill with your name and address and a care card.
A third option exists for those without any identification whatsoever.
You may take an oath, and have an elector with authorized identification from the same polling division (such as a neighbour or roommate) vouch for you.
To find the address of your advance poll, look on your voter information card. You can also find the address by visiting www.elections.ca, or by calling Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868.
For more information, visit www.elections.ca.
Election facts
• Voter turnout in the 2008 federal election was 58.8 per cent, the lowest of any federal election in Canada’s history, despite having the second highest number of ballots cast, with 13.9 million.
• The riding of Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission has been held by a Conservative MP since 1997, when Grant McNally of the Reform Party was elected. Randy Kamp of the Conservative Party has held the seat since 2004.
• Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission contains more than 120,000 people, according to the 2006 census, with more than 85,000 eligible to vote in this election.
• There are four candidates running in Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission for the 2011 federal election: Randy Kamp (Conservative), Peter Tam (Green), Mandeep Bhuller (Liberal), and Craig Spiers (NDP). In the 2006 and 2008 elections, seven candidates ran locally.