Voting opened today in the June 20 by-elections for Ward Two and Ward Three councillor positions.
Residents and landowners can cast ballots by sealed envelope between May 23 and June 17, if they aren’t able to vote on either June 20 election day or June 15 in the advance poll.
To vote by sealed envelope, you need to make a request to Oakland-Wawanesa’s chief administrative officer Joni Swidnicki for a ballot package. That request can be made in person at the municipal office in Nesbitt or by contacting Ms. Swidnicki (see her contact information below).
If you are not able to visit the municipal office, a ballot for sealed envelope voting can be mailed to you. Make your request as soon as possible to allow time to receive and return your ballot, because any ballots received after 8 pm on June 20 election day will not be accepted.
Advance Poll and Election Day
Most voters will likely cast their ballots at either the advance poll or election day poll, both in June.
The advance poll will be held at Nesbitt Hall on Saturday, June 15 from 8 am-8pm. Residents in both Ward Two and Ward Three will use the Nesbitt Hall polling station. Ward Two includes residents and property north of Municipal Road 42N. Ward Three includes residents and land south of Road 42N.
Voting on election day will also be at Nesbitt Hall, from 8 am-8pm on June 20, for both Ward Two and Three.
To be eligible to vote, you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age on June 20 and a resident or property owner within the municipality for at least six months prior to election day.
If you are new to the municipality, have changed addresses within the municipality or were too young to vote in previous elections, you should check with Oakland-Wawanesa staff to ensure your name is on the voters list.
Exercise Your Voting Rights
I am running against Neil Bok and Craig Hatch for the councilor seat in Ward Two. Our collective concern is getting people interested. By-elections have notoriously low voter turnout. Actually, it’s more accurate to say that rural voter turnout is notoriously low. In the September 2016 by-election to replace long-time reeve David (Bunk) Inkster, only 30% of rural voters cast ballots compared to 90% of Wawanesa voters.
As rural residents, we need to become more engaged with council and this by-election is a great place to start. Talk to the candidates in your ward. Find out their positions on the challenges facing Oakland-Wawanesa. Then, make sure to vote.
I am going door-to-door to talk with as many residents as I can. If someone wanted to organize a candidates’ forum, I know that all three of us in Ward Two would be willing to take part. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact me by email at glen@glenkirby.ca or 204-730-3030 if you have any questions.
To find out more about sealed envelope voting, contact Joni Swidnicki at the Nesbitt Municipal Office at 204-824-2666 or email adminassist@oakland-wawanesa.ca.
Best regards,
-Glen