ELECTION 2015: Voting basics in the North Okanagan-Shuswap | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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ELECTION 2015: Voting basics in the North Okanagan-Shuswap

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VERNON - Before you head to the polls this October, you’re going to want to know who your candidates are, where to vote, and what you need to bring with you. We’ve got you covered.

Consider this your North Okanagan-Shuswap voter’s kit. We’ll introduce you to your candidates, fill you in on advance polling, and give you the rundown about voting day. All you have to do is get out and do the actual voting part.

THE CANDIDATES

Mel Arnold, Conservative Party

Longtime businessman Mel Arnold was born and raised in Notch Hill, a small community in the Shuswap. He moved to Salmon Arm after high school and has lived there all his life. For the past 25 years, Mel has run a marine and RV detailing business, and has also served as president of the B.C. Wildlife Federation. He believes this riding’s main issues are jobs, seniors, and infrastructure, and is keen on keeping things on track the Conservative way. We sat down with Mel and learned more about his philosophy — you can read the story here.

Cindy Derkaz, Liberal Party

You might know her from her days working at Derkaz Shoes, her parent’s shop, or from her involvement in organizations like the Shuswap Community Foundation or Shuswap Trail Alliance. Now, Cindy is asking you to embrace her as your new MP. She grew up in Salmon Arm, opened a law practice there, and has lived in the Shuswap most of her life. We caught up with Cindy to talk more about the riding’s main issues and how she aims to address them. Read more here.

Chris George, Green Party

Chris calls himself a ‘jack of all trades’ having done everything from financial planning to managing restaurants, and believes he has what it takes to make a real difference as your MP. He lives on a farm in Notch Hill where he tends gardens, chickens and sheep — and studies for university courses. He’s a student in his third year at Thompson Rivers University and is passionate about the Green party’s platform of balancing ‘people, planet and profit.’ We chatted with him at his booth outside the dairy barn at the Armstrong IPE. You can read the full story here.

Jacqui Gingras, New Democratic Party

Jacqui is a longtime Okanagan resident with two kids, a PhD in Education and a Masters in nutrition. She was inspired to run for office after hearing then NDP leader Jack Layton’s call to action for Canadians to consider serving their communities, and committed herself to the task after his death. She’s eager to to stimulate the economy with investments in alternative energies, and believes strongly in supporting local farmers. We chatted with Jacqui about all this and more, and you can read the full story here.

WHEN TO VOTE, WHERE TO VOTE, AND WHAT TO BRING

General voting day is Monday, Oct. 19. Elections Canada hasn’t announced where the polling stations are yet, but we’ll keep you posted. That information will also be on your voter information card, which should come in the mail by Oct. 1.

You can also make use of four advance voting days from Friday, Oct. 9 to Monday, Oct. 12. Polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m.

And if you really want to, you can vote now. Up until Oct. 13, you can cast a ballot at Elections Canada offices. There’s one each in Vernon and Salmon Arm.

You can also vote by mail, but you’ll need to apply online as soon as possible to allow time for your voting kit to arrive, and for your marked ballot to make it back to Elections Canada by election day.

More details about each voting option can be found here.

It’s also not a bad idea to check online to make sure you’re registered. The process takes about two minutes and will save you potential hassles at the polling station.

Remember, you’ll need ID to vote. Check Elections Canada for acceptable ID to prove your identity and address.

Not sure if the North Okanagan-Shuswap is even your riding? Check the map below to be sure.

Image Credit: Elections Canada

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

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