In an effort to encourage as many residents as possible to vote in this fall’s municipal election, Guelph-Eramosa council has approved three advanced polls.
In addition to the regular polls on Oct. 25, which are open from 10am to 8pm, township residents can vote on:
– Oct. 14, from 9am to 6pm, likely at the township office near Brucedale;
– Oct. 16, from 10am to 6pm, at two locations, most likely the Rockwood library and the Marden library or field house; and
– Oct. 15, from 8am to 12pm, only for residents of the Eden House Care Facility.
The township will also offer a poll from 10am to 12pm on election day at Eden House for new residents or those who declined to vote on Oct. 15.
Council had previously decided to conduct a traditional-poll election this year, foregoing alternative voting methods such as telephone and mail-in ballots.
Township Clerk Meaghen Reid explained the last time the township did not use any alternative voting methods was in 2003, when 6.8% of all voters used advanced polls.
Council unanimously approved two bylaws – one to establish the advance polls and another to reduce the regular hours for the election day poll at Eden House.
