We have an election coming up on May 2nd. There are two ways to vote if you will not be in your riding on that day.

The first way is intended for those who are out of the country. It takes the longest and requires a bit of an investment: requesting a special ballot by mail and then mailing it back. Ballot requests must be received by April 26th and the ballot must be in Ottawa by May 2nd. What with Canada Post being what it is, I wouldn’t use this method without paying to register the documents!

If you are in Canada, but not anywhere near your riding, the second method is much easier. It’s what I did in Edmonton in ’08 and will be doing again this year in Lethbridge: going to the nearest Elections Canada office and voting in an advanced poll.

Both methods require a piece of ID with your name, address of your current riding, and signature, or a combination of documents.

Remember that voting is a birthright in this country. Please exercise it!