Out of the territory during the Yukon election? There's a ballot for that

Changes to the Yukon Elections Act means university students studying outside the territory can now cast their ballot before heading back to schoolthis fall.

In previous elections, students and others who are going to be awaycould designate a person to vote on their behalf.

The new amendments,made during the spring sitting of the Yukon Legislature, mean those voters can now indicate which party they want to support even if there is not yet a nominated candidate for their riding.

"It sounds like it'll be a much faster process, less time-consuming, less stressful, just get it done," said 19-year-old Adrian Woodhouse, who is heading to Ontario to study music theatre. "I think it'll be good. I think this will make it a lot easier."

The Yukon's next territorial election will be this fall. It is expected to be called before October 14 andalready, the main political parities have nominated candidates in many ridings.

DaveWilkie, the territory'sassistant Chief Electoral Officer, said Yukon is the last jurisdiction in the country to switch to special ballots from proxy votes.

"There's more options than ever before to vote independently and confidentially, and that's whether people are inside or outside the territory," he said.

Wilkie said this will be last election where people can vote by proxy, adding that so far, the new special ballot is proving popular.

"We've had quite a few people, students particularly, that have been coming in the last few weeks."