The City of Victoria has issued a warning to voters after learning of a delay in Canada Post delivering requested mail ballots for the local election.
In order to be counted, completed mail ballots must be received by the City by 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 17th.
In order to ensure every vote is counted the City has provided instructions on how to ensure ballots make it back to them in time to be counted properly.
Those who received ballots in the mail this week are being instructed not to place a completed ballot in the mail.
Instead, the City says it is best to return completed mail ballots via the drop box at the Pandora Avenue entrance of City Hall by 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 17th.
Voters can take advantage of the advance voting opportunities this week or, if possible, cast their ballot at any of the 12 voting places on general voting day on Saturday, October 17th.
For those who are unable to vote in advance or cast a ballot on general voting day, someone can drop off a completed mail-in ballot on their behalf.
The City says that those who completed mail-in ballots who want to drop them off will not have to wait in line to vote. Instead, they can place the ballots in the mail ballot box or ask an election official for assistance.
For voters who have not yet received their requested ballot in the mail, the City is encouraging them to visit an advance voting opportunity this week to vote in person.
Advance voting is generally quieter than general voting day, according to the City.
Advance voting opportunities in the City of Victoria include Wednesday, October 14th and Thursday, October 15th from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Crystal Garden, located at 713 Douglas Street.
An accessible voting machine will be available at Crystal Garden for those who require one.
Furthermore, there is an advance voting opportunity on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at UVic’s Student Union Building in the Michèle Pujol Room, located at 3800 Finnerty Road.
On general voting day, voters can cast their ballots at any of the 12 voting places from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
General voting day locations include:
- 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
Voting place parking maps are available online via the City’s website.
Related:
- Local election guide: All school board trustee candidates running in Greater Victoria
- Local election guide: Victoria candidates for mayor and council
“If you recently placed your completed mail ballot in the mail and are concerned the City won’t receive it in time, please vote in person,” said the City in a media release.
“Your vote will only be counted once in the system. If you have voted in person and then receive your ballot in the mail, please dispose of it.”
For voters with accessibility needs, there are services available to help you vote.
The City says all voting locations are wheelchair accessible and a priority line is available for those who need it.
Furthermore, assistance is available to voters unable to mark a ballot because of a physical disability or difficulty with reading or writing, an accessible voting machine is available at Crystal Garden and those who cannot enter a voting place will be able to vote at the curb or in the parking lot at all locations.
If you require assistance or have any questions can contact City of Victoria Legislative Services at (250) 361-0571.
💬 Join the conversation
No comments yet — be the first to start the conversation
