With Victoria’s municipal election just one day away, local firefighters are stepping up to help residents get to the polls amid ongoing concerns about delayed mail-in ballots.
Victoria Firefighters IAFF Local 730 announced Thursday, October 15th, that its members are offering free transportation to voting locations and assistance returning completed mail-in ballots ahead of Saturday’s election.
The initiative follows a warning from the City of Victoria earlier this week that Canada Post delays have affected the delivery of requested mail-in ballots, raising concerns that some residents may not receive or return their ballots in time.
“This is a complicated and time sensitive situation, but the immediate priority must be making sure residents can exercise their right to vote,” said Josh Montgomery, president of Local 730.
“Victoria firefighters are problem solvers. When our community needs help, we step forward and that is exactly what we are doing now.”
The firefighters’ union says members are prepared to assist seniors, people with disabilities and residents facing mobility or transportation challenges.
They can also help deliver completed and sealed mail-in ballot packages to authorized return locations, provide information about voting locations and deadlines and work with residents facing other barriers to voting.
The union emphasized that assistance is available to eligible Victoria voters regardless of political preference.
Firefighters will not ask residents whom they intend to vote for, discuss candidates while providing assistance, or open or review anyone’s ballot.
“This is not about politics or who someone chooses to support,” Montgomery said.
“It is about ensuring that seniors, people with disabilities, residents with limited mobility and anyone else affected by this situation are not prevented from having their voice heard.”
Anyone requiring assistance can visit the Safe Victoria website and complete the contact form. A representative of Local 730 will follow up to discuss what help is needed.
BC Transit and Lime also offering free rides
Firefighters aren’t the only ones helping residents get to voting locations this weekend.
BC Transit is offering free service throughout the Victoria Regional Transit System on Saturday, October 17th.
The initiative is part of a broader partnership with participating local governments across BC to make transportation more accessible on election day.
Free service also includes handyDART, giving residents with accessibility needs another option for getting to the polls.
Meanwhile, Lime Canada is offering two free 15-minute e-bike rides through its ‘Lime to the Polls’ initiative.
The promotion runs from October 16th to October 24th and is available in Victoria and several other BC communities.
To access the offer, riders can enter the promotional code VOTECAN26 in the Lime app.
The initiative was launched in partnership with the non-partisan charitable organization Apathy is Boring.
What to do if your mail-in ballot hasn’t arrived
The City of Victoria issued an advisory on October 13th after learning that Canada Post delays were affecting the delivery of requested mail-in ballots.
Residents who have received their ballots are being urged not to return them through the mail, as they may not arrive before the deadline.
Instead, completed mail-in ballots can be returned to the drop box at the Pandora Avenue entrance of Victoria City Hall or delivered to any of the city’s 12 voting locations on Saturday.
Residents who cannot return their completed ballot themselves can have someone else deliver the sealed package on their behalf.
Those dropping off completed ballots at voting locations do not need to wait in the regular voting lineup. They can place their ballot in the designated mail ballot box or ask an election official for assistance.
If your requested ballot hasn’t arrived, you can still vote in person on Saturday.
The City also advises anyone who recently mailed a completed ballot and is concerned it may not arrive in time to vote in person. The City’s system will ensure their vote is only counted once.
All completed mail-in ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 17th, to be counted.
Where to vote in Victoria this Saturday
General voting day takes place Saturday, October 17th, with polling stations open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Eligible City of Victoria voters can cast their ballots at any of the following 12 locations:
- Central Middle School: 1280 Fort Street
- Crystal Garden: 713 Douglas Street
- George Jay Elementary School: 1118 Princess Avenue
- Glenlyon Norfolk Senior School: 781 Richmond Avenue
- James Bay Community School: 140 Oswego Street
- Oaklands Elementary School: 2827 Belmont Avenue
- Quadra Elementary School: 3031 Quadra Street
- Quadra Village Neighbourhood Gym: 950 Kings Road
- Royal Canadian Legion Branch 292: 411 Gorge Road East
- Sir James Douglas Elementary School: 401 Moss Street
- Victoria High School: 1260 Grant Street
- Victoria West Elementary School: 750 Front Street
All voting locations are wheelchair accessible, and an accessible voting machine will be available at Crystal Garden.
Priority line access and other accessibility assistance are also available, including curbside voting for residents unable to enter a voting location.
Residents with questions about voting or mail-in ballot procedures can contact City of Victoria Legislative Services at (250) 361-0571.
For full election information, visit the City of Victoria website.
With several free transportation options now available, voters facing challenges getting to the polls have additional ways to participate before voting closes Saturday evening.
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