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Here’s what you need to vote today in Delta

There is an old saying that “if you don’t vote, you can’t complain” about the decisions your various levels of government make.
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There is an old saying that “if you don’t vote, you can’t complain” about the decisions your various levels of government make. And, based on some of the comments left on the Optimist’s Facebook page, questioning the choices our elected officials make is something many of our readers very much like to do. So get out and vote. If you’re still undecided, check out our extensive election coverage to help make an informed decision.

Today is your last chance to have a say about who represents Delta in Ottawa for the 43rd Canadian Parliament. More than 4.7 million Canadians took part in advance polls – a 29% increase over 2015 numbers when the Liberal Party and Delta MP Carla Qualtrough were swept into power  – before Oct. 21 election day.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you didn’t receive a voter card in the mail, click here to enter your postal code to find the nearest polling station.

Canadian citizens aged 18 and older have three options to cast a ballot. Simply show your driver's licence or any other card issued by the Canadian government (federal, provincial/territorial or local) with your photo, name and current address. Voters can also instead show two pieces of ID where both have your name and at least one must has your current address such as voter information card, bank statement, utility bill or student ID card. If neither of these are an option, you can still vote if you declare your identity and address in writing and have someone who knows you and who is assigned to your polling station vouch for you. The voucher must be able to prove their identity and address. A person can vouch for only one person (except in long-term care institutions).

The elections law requires that every eligible voter have three consecutive hours available to vote. Employers must give you the time off, under threat of fine or jail time, if your working hours don't permit a three-hour window. For instance, if the polls are open between 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and you work 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., your employer could let you show up late or leave early to have three hours to vote, but cannot deduct any pay for the time.