Almost every organization needs to advocate with stakeholders – government and others. That requires strategic, thoughtful communications. The federal election will determine who forms the next government so it’s a great time to tune in. Scout Communications is here to help assemble and execute your post-election game plan to achieve your goals with expert advocacy communications.
Election day (September 20th) is officially less than a week away! Candidates might not agree but the campaign period has flown by. With a return to in-person school for many families and fine fall weather to enjoy, we suddenly find ourselves just days away from the election. Candidates and party leaders still have a lot to do in the final days of campaigning. The news is filled with their campaign appearances in the final days as they each seek to secure voter support right until the last moment. For the rest of us, the focus is on voting.
Record-breaking early voting
Many got out early to vote. A record-setting number of people used the advance polls to cast their vote ahead of the election day. According to Elections Canada nearly 5.8 million Canadians voted in advance polls between Sept 10 – 13, an increase of about 18 percent compared with 2019.
Another means of early voting has also increased significantly this time. More than 1.2 million Canadians have requested special voting kits (your humbe scribe among them!) which can be mailed or dropped off at Elections Canada offices. This far outstrips the 50,000 requests for special voting kits in 2019.
If you requested a special voting kit, follow the instructions and mail it in as soon as possible. Despite the fact these votes are being cast ahead of election day, the ballots will not be counted until after the polls close on September 20th. Officials are warning us that this could result in delays in confirming election results in some cases.
Casting your vote on Election Day
Those still needing to cast their vote will need to do so in person at their polling station on September 20th.
In order to vote, you must be registered with Elections Canada. If you have already received a voter information card in the mail, you are already registered to vote. This card provides details about your riding and where to vote on voting day. If you haven’t received the card or you’re not sure if you’re registered to vote, visit the Elections Canada website.
Polls will be open for 12 hours on election day with varied hours depending on the time zone. You need to prove your identity and your address to cast your vote in person so ensure you take identification with you. The voter information card doesn’t count as identification! You will want to take identification that includes your address.
If you aren’t yet registered to vote, it’s not too late! You can register to vote at your assigned polling station. Again, you’ll need to verify your identity and address so don’t forget your identification. You can also use the Online Voter Registration Service if necessary. Elections Canada’s voter registration page has all the resources needed to ensure you are able to cast your ballot on Monday.
Now What?
Watch the parties and candidates closely to see what they are saying to lock down your vote. Have they been holding back a key policy or position hoping to sway votes? No doubt they have something to share in the final days. Often the front runner indicated by polling data is scrutinized hard by the chasing parties as they jostle for position. What do you need to know to prepare to vote?
- Know your local candidates and their positions on key issues
- Find your polling station or Elections Canada office nearby
- Set aside time (in your calendar) to go to the polls and vote (bring ID)
You’ll also need to bring a mask and pack your patience. Officials have reorganized polling stations ste-ups in light of health restrictions designed to keep staff and voters safe. This may result in longer lines and wait-times.
And as a business owner, don’t forget that employees who are eligible to vote are entitled to three consecutive hours on election day to cast their vote. If the employee’s working hours don’t allow for three consecutive hours before they begin or finish work for the day, they are entitled to time off to allow them to cast their vote.
On September 20th, time’s up for this federal election. The decision we make together will dictate the direction of our country, and all that means for our families and our businesses for the next four years. Do your homework and vote on Election Day!
With extensive experience managing policy issues and successfully advocating for government policy changes, Scout Communications helps you harness the power of communication to achieve your objectives. Let’s have a conversation on how Scout Communications can drive outcomes. Contact us today.