Calgarians who can't vote in October's municipal election can now request special mail-in ballots

Calgarianswho are unable to vote on election day or during the advance-voting period ahead of October's municipal election can now request special mail-in ballots.

The early voting period runs from Oct. 4 to Oct. 10 and the general election day is set for Oct. 18, 2021.

As of Aug. 3, eligible voters can request special mail-in ballots if they expect they will be unable to vote on those dates in October due to:

• A disability or illness.
• Absence from their place of residence.
• They are an election worker, a candidate, campaign worker or scrutineer.

The city says ballots and information packages will be mailed in late September to those who request them.

Alternatively, they can be picked up at the Elections Calgary office when ready.

Once voters receive the packages, they need to follow the instructions to fill out the ballots and envelope correctly, the city says. This includes providing a photocopy of an authorized form of identification along with mail-in ballots.

A list of authorized identification can be found atelectionscalgary.ca.

Once completed, the ballot packages can be returned by mail, in person at the Elections Calgary office, or at one of the six secure drop boxes throughout the city. The drop-box locations will be indicated as part of the packages voters receive.

In order to be counted, ballots must be correctly filled out and returned in the envelope provided and received by Elections Calgary no later than 4 p.m. on Oct.18.

Requests for a special mail-in ballot can be made in the following ways:

• Online atelectionscalgary.ca
• By email atelections@calgary.ca
• By calling403-476-4100.
• In person or by mail at theElections Calgary office: 2340 22nd St. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8B7.