HSA Members Urged To Vote In September 20th Federal Election
HSA MEMBERS URGED TO VOTE IN SEPTEMBER 20th FEDERAL ELECTION
A federal election has been called for September 20th and the outcome will have a significant impact on the health care and community social services that HSA members provide. The Parliament that we elect will also be able to act on the issues that HSA members have identified as important to them, like climate action, child care, and pharmacare.
We encourage all HSA members who are eligible to vote to consider the issues that matter to them, learn about the candidates in their riding, and vote. There are several ways to cast your ballot in this election, including:
On Election Day, September 20:
- Polling stations in BC will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Pacific Time (if you live in Kootenay-Columbia, check your voter information card to confirm your voting time)
- To find your voting place, click here and enter your postal code.
During Advance Polls, September 10, 11, 12 & 13:
- Polling stations will be open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm local time.
- Your advance voting location may be different from your usual voting place. To find your advance voting location, click here and enter your postal code.
By Mail:
- Anyone can apply for a mail ballot, but you must apply for a mail ballot by 6:00 pm on Tuesday, September 14. Once you have applied to vote by mail, you can’t change your mind and vote in person.
- To apply to vote by mail, fill out the online application.
To vote, you must be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You can easily check if you’re registered to vote online at https://ereg.elections.ca/CWelcome.aspx?lang=e (you can also use this site to update your address if you’ve recently moved), or you can simply register when you vote.
Time off work to vote:
By law, employers must give employees who are qualified voters at least 3 consecutive hours off work with pay during voting hours on Election Day, in order to vote. Your employer has the right to determine at what point the time is given during voting hours on Election Day.
For most of BC, this means your employer could allow you to arrive late (at 10:00 am), let you leave early (at 4:00 pm), or give you three hours off at some point during the work day.
Other Questions:
You should receive your Voter Information card, with all your voting information, in the mail in early September.
If you have other questions about the election, the Elections Canada website is a great source of information: https://www.elections.ca/home.aspx