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TODAY’S ELECTION TASK: making a plan to vote. if you’ve already asked for a mail in ballot, then you can just ignore this next thread. If not read on. Studies show that people who have a plan to vote are way more likely to do so. This makes sense. /1
It’s like the difference between thinking you should do something (ie. call your mom) and actually planning to do it (I will call my mom at 3 pm tomorrow afternoon). <— [actual example from my life] /2
The first question you need to ask yourself when making a plan to vote: are you registered? If you’re not yet registered, you need a plan for ensuring you have valid ID to vote. Before you let that freak you out, the definition of ID for the purposes of voting is quite broad /3
Valid ID includes everything from a passport or MSP card, to prescription bottles, report cards, and printed e-bills for utilities. Find the full list here: https://elections.bc.ca/voting/voter-id/ /4
The next question is when and how you want to vote. There are many options but the three big buckets are: (a) Vote By Mail , (b) Advance Voting, or (c)Vote In Person On Election Day. If none of these sound like good options, check out https://elections.bc.ca/voting/voting-accessibility/services-for-at-risk-voters/ /5
Let’s start with option A, vote by mail. Voting by mail *may* be your best option if:
- you already know who you’re voting for
- you’re already registered and want a contactless voting option
- you have a mailing address where you can easily access the mail
/6
- you already know who you’re voting for
- you’re already registered and want a contactless voting option
- you have a mailing address where you can easily access the mail
/6
If you’re already registered you can request a Mail-in ballot online or by phone. More information: https://elections.bc.ca/voting/how-to-vote-by-mail/ If you’re not already registered you need to take your valid ID ( #4 in this thread) to your District Electoral Office and get your mail in ballot there. /7
Personal opinion: if you’re going to do that you might as well just mark the ballot while you’re there, but it’s up to you. Find your District Electoral Office here: https://elections.bc.ca/voting/deo-office-locations/ /8
Important note: if you are voting by mail at this point in the election, or in person at a district electoral office your ballot will be blank and you need to write either the name of the party or the name of the candidate. Full instructions here: https://elections.bc.ca/voting/how-to-vote-by-mail/how-to-mark-your-write-in-ballot/ /9
Onto Option B, advance voting. Advance Voting will take place from October 15 to October 21. @ElectionsBC is aiming to have all advance voting stations open each day within that window but it may not be possible for some of the locations which are still being sorted out. /10
You can keep an eye on where your advance polling station will be at this link https://elections.bc.ca/voting/where-to-vote/ /11
In order to vote in advance, you will need valid ID (see tweet 4 in this thread) and hopefully have figured out who you are voting for! If you’re worried about COVID-19 protocols there is a good section on @ElectionsBC website about those https://elections.bc.ca/voting/voting-safely-and-covid-19/ /12
The other thing you will need is a plan: Chose a day, chose a time to vote on that day, and tell someone about it so they can remind you/bug you to do it. It sounds crazy I know but research shows that it increases voter turn out by a lot /13
Your final option: voting on election day. At one point in my life I couldn’t imagine voting on anything other than election day. Now I avoid it. If anything goes wrong, you’re out of plan B time. However if you hold fast to the tradition, it is absolutely an option. /14
The good news; if you’re voting on Election Day you’ve already chosen a day (Saturday, October 24). Now you just need to choose a time and let someone know. As with advanced voting, you’ll need to know where you’re voting (tweet 4) and bring valid ID (tweet 11) /15
Final thoughts:
1. Not everyone is on Twitter. Please check in with your friends, family and other loves ones to see if they have a plan and/or need help to vote. They may also be on Facebook! In which case I have a post here: https://www.facebook.com/andreareimer/posts/10158861848864962 /16
1. Not everyone is on Twitter. Please check in with your friends, family and other loves ones to see if they have a plan and/or need help to vote. They may also be on Facebook! In which case I have a post here: https://www.facebook.com/andreareimer/posts/10158861848864962 /16
2. It is in the interests of candidates to help you vote. If you have questions or need any help that you can't get from Elections BC (a lawyer to sign an affidavit, a ride to the polls) contact your local candidate or political party. /17
2. cont...As pointed out in a reply to this thread, on voting day the major parties will have people inside the polling stations called "inside scrutineers" who will try to help if your vote is challenged and/or you are denied the right to vote. Ask for them. /18
