How To: Vote in Manitoba Municipal Elections

by Apathy is Boring — October 5, 2010

Can I vote in a Manitoba municipal election?

In order to vote in a Manitoba municipal election, you must:

• be a Canadian citizen;
• be at least 18 years old by Election Day (October 27);
• live or own land in the municipality where you want to vote for at least six months;
• be on the official voters list.

What if I’m not on the voters list?

If you moved recently or are eligible to vote first time, you may not be listed on the voters list. But don’t worry - getting on the list is quick and easy. There are two ways to get your name added to the list:

• You can fill out an application in advance. They’re available at the office of your local city clerk. Click here to find the location of your local office.
• You can also register when you go to vote. You will need fill out an application form and provide both ID and proof of your address. If you don’t have ID, a voter who is already on the list can also vouch for you.

What do I need to bring with me?

You may need to provide ID with your name, current address, and photograph to vote. You can do that in one of two ways:

• The first is having a single piece of government ID showing all three items.
• The second way is having two pieces of government ID: one with your name and photo, and the other with your name and address

Where is my polling station? And when is it open?

Your municipal government will announce the locations of voting places in the local newspaper or by mailing a card to every household in the municipality. Keep your eye on the newspaper prior to Election Day, or you can contact your Senior Election Official or local municipal office. (If you live in Winnipeg, you can find the location online here.)

Polling stations are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on Election Day (Wednesday, October 27).

Unfortunately, unlike federal and provincial elections, you aren't guaranteed time off from work to vote for Manitoba municipal elections.

What if I can't make it to a polling station on voting day?

If you can't make it to the polls on election day, there are several other ways to cast your ballot. You can vote during the advance polling period before the election. Voting at an advance poll is just like voting at on election day - you just get to cast your ballot earlier. Contact your local City Clerk office to find out where advanced voting places are. (Details for Winnipeg are available here.)

If you can’t make it out on either election day or the advance polling days, you can also mail in a ballot. You can get an application from your municipality's Senior Election Official (click here to find them) and then submit it in person, by mail, or by fax. Remember to apply early enough so that your mailed ballot arrives by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

If you're applying in person, remember to bring ID with you. Your ballots should be ready 28 days before Election Day.

If you're applying by mail or by fax, you'll have to send a photocopy of your ID. If you apply more than twelve days before the election, a package with your ballot will me mailed to you.

If you apply less than twelve days before Election Day, you may have to work out alternate arrangements with your Senior Election Official.

Can I vote if I'm Homeless?

If you're homeless or don't have a permanent address, you can still vote. The district you vote in will be the place where you most frequently returned to sleep or eat during the five weeks before the election. (If you went to different places to sleep and eat, the place where you sleep takes priority.)

What if I need additional help at the polling station?

Most municipalities have services available for those with accessibility issues. Just make sure to call your City Clerk's office in advance so they have enough time to meet your needs. You can find our more here.

If you need any more information about the election or how to vote, check out the Manitoba municipal elections website or the City of Winnipeg Elections website.