Every Qualified Elector Can Vote
Every Nova Scotian who is a qualified elector can vote in the Aug. 5 provincial election.
Many people should now have received a confirmation of registration in the mail, if their names were on the voters' list. Nova Scotians who believe they are eligible to vote but have not received the notice, should check with their local returning office to be sure they are on the list.
"You do not need the notice of registration to vote, but it does contain important information about where and when to cast your ballot," said Janet Willwerth, chief electoral officer. "If you didn't receive a notice, you can still vote at your local polling station, or at the advance polls, as long as you have proper identification."
Changes to the Nova Scotia Elections Act mean that even if an eligible voter's name is not on the list by Aug. 5, he or she may cast a ballot after having an application approved by a returning or revising officer and producing acceptable identification.
To avoid potential delays and problems, however, and to be certain of their right to vote, people are encouraged to check that their names are already on the electors list when they head to the polls next Tuesday.
Information on returning offices can be found in the "Election Day, August 5" link of the Elections Nova Scotia Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/elo . Maps of electoral districts are also available on the site.
Voters can also receive information on their returning offices by calling Public Enquiries toll-free at 1-866-802-8584 or 424-7470 in Halifax Regional Municipality between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday and between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturdays.
Voters who are unable to vote on the regular election day can cast ballots at special polls being held at local returning offices. The special polls are taking place on the following dates: -- Monday, July 28 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. -- Tuesday, July 29 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. -- Wednesday, July 30 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Advance polls will also be held on Friday, Aug. 1, and Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.