Advanced polls for municipal election open today, continue next week

The advanced polls for the municipal election opened today, allowing voters to cast their ballots early to avoid long lines during Election Day on Nov. 9.

Advanced polls are being held at City Hall from Oct. 29 until Nov. 5, with the exception of Nov. 1. 

Polls are open late today, running from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., before returning on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Oct. 31, residents can vote between noon and 6 p.m.

Next week, the advanced polls will be open every day at 10 a.m. and close at 4 p.m., with the exception of Nov. 3 when they will be open until 8 p.m.

Special advanced polls will also be taking place on Oct. 31 at specified seniors homes, for the residents living at those locations.

Election day will take place on Nov. 9, with polls open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in both locations in the city — at the Church of Our Lady for residents from South Hill and at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds for residents outside of South Hill. A more detailed map of the polling divisions is available on the city website.

The city will also be offering free transit services on Election Day, including shuttle busses heading from High Street and Main Street to the Exhibition Grounds every 20 minutes beginning at 8:45 a.m. Regular transit services will still continue otherwise, and those in need of special needs transit can book services with the city during polling hours.

City Hall is encouraging voters to print their voter registration form from the city website and fill it out prior to arriving to vote, to help speed up the wait times. COVID-19 protocols are also in place, and voters are encouraged but not required to wear masks. 

The deadline for mail-in ballot applications is also approaching on Nov. 6 by 4:45 p.m. To fill out an application for a mail-in ballot, residents must make an appointment with the returning officer at City Hall.

Mail-in ballots must be received by the returning officer by the end of the voting window on Nov. 9 to be counted in the results. 

The results of the municipal election will be shared on Nov. 13.