By Greg Higgins

What N.B. residents need to know about voting in the municipal election

Oct 20, 2016 | 12:00 PM

The voting process can be different across the country and even throughout the province. For those who have never voted, haven’t voted for a while or are new to the city, here is what they need to know.

First off, all voters must be Canadian citizens least 18 years of age or older. To vote in the North Battleford municipal election a voter has to be a resident of the city for three consecutive months and a resident of Saskatchewan for six. Anyone who owned land in the city under their name for three consecutive months is eligible, resident or not.

As for identification, government issued photo ID works best. There will be no questions asked when provided. If someone doesn’t have photo ID the voting location will request two pieces of information with the voters name on it, such as a bank statement. One piece of information must have the voter’s address.

Passports do not count as government issued photo ID because they do not provide an address.

If no ID can be provided, locals can still participate in the election process. A voter with acceptable ID can vouch for one other person, except for immediate family members at the same address. A person who is vouched for cannot vouch for another voter. The vouching process excludes election officials, candidates and their agents.

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When voters arrive at their designated poll stations they will have to fill out a voter registration form, which takes roughly three minutes. The form confirms identity and ensures someone isn’t voting multiple times.

When the registered voter receives their ballot they will be told to go to a station to vote. There will be 15 council candidates to choose from and voters can choose up to six only. If someone votes for more than six, their ballot will not be counted. Ryan Bater is the acclaimed mayoral candidate so there will be no voting options for the position.

Residents who live South of 15th Ave. will vote at Notre Dame School while those who live North and West of 100th St. will cast ballots at Holy Family School. Residents East of the street will vote at the Civic Centre.

Advance polls will be set up at City Hall on Oct. 22 and Valley View Towers 11 Oct. 20.

Greg Higgins is battlefordsNOW’s city municipal affairs and health reporter. He can be reached at ghiggins@jpbg.ca or tweet him @realgreghiggins.