Are you looking to avoid the lines or otherwise occupied on municipal election day, Oct. 24, but still want to have your voice heard at the ballot box?
There are six advanced voting days set, along with vote-by-mail and vote-from-home options for people who qualify.
Advanced polls will be available Oct. 8-10 and Oct. 14-16, with varying hours for each day and/or location. Most begin at 10 a.m. and run into the late afternoon or evening.
Check here for specifics and updates.
The first three days of advanced voting will be provided at city hall (1 Carden St.).
During the second batch of days, advanced polls will be available at the Victoria Road Recreation Centre (151 Victoria Rd. N.), Evergreens Seniors Community Centre (683 Woolwich St.), Shelldale Centre (20 Shelldale Cresc.), University of Guelph, University Centre (Reynolds Walk) and Arkell Road Bible Chapel (39 Arkell Rd.).
Eligible voters from throughout the city can cast their ballot at any of the advanced poll locations. On election day, voters must use the locations established in their ward.
A reduced scent and fully masked voting environment will be available at city hall during the first three days of advanced voting. As explained on the city’s website, a separate room will be set up and available upon request to “assist voters who may have scent sensitivities or prefer additional safety precautions regarding COVID-19.”
To request the reduced scent and fully masked room ahead of time, call 519-837-5625 or email [email protected]. Requests can also be made to poll staff on voting days.
All advanced voting locations will be equipped with audio tactile interface, handheld touch pads and paddles, as well as sip and puff devices.
People wanting to participate in the vote-by-mail option should request a voters’ kit by Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. The registration from can be found here.
A “limited number” of vote-from-home appointments are also available during business hours on Oct. 11 to 14. Eligible participants must be unable to vote using any other method due to illness, injury or disability.
The deadline to request an appointment is Oct. 14 at noon. To do so, call 519-837-5625 or email [email protected].
As a pilot program for the 2022 election, appointments can be made to have an ASL sign language interpreter. An interpreter can be booked for a virtual session to assist the voter on election day at the location they request.
Contact the city clerk’s office by Oct. 17 to make an appointment.
