When, where and how to vote in the 2021 Calgary Election

The Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, Calgary Election is approaching fast. We’re working hard to deliver an election that is safe and accessible to all eligible voters.

To make voting easier for citizens, there are more locations and more hours to vote during this Municipal election.

“By increasing the number of voting stations close to home, we are aiming to make voting easier and hoping to reduce some of the wait times we experienced in 2017,” said Returning Officer Kate Martin. “We encourage all eligible voters to participate in the democratic process. Look up your assigned voting stations, make a vote plan to decide when and where to vote and cast your ballot.”

Voting stations have been carefully selected close to home so that they are easy to access whether driving, walking, cycling or taking transit. Community centres, libraries, places of worship, recreation centres and schools are located within a 2.5 km radius of residential areas and have adequate free parking. Two-thirds of advance vote stations are within 1 km of a high frequency transit stop (LRT/BRT/Max). All stations are within 800 metres of regular transit service stops.

We have added 21 more voting locations (for a total of 187 stations) and longer voting hours (8 a.m.-8 p.m.) on Election Day. Advance Vote (Oct. 4-10, 2021) features 11 more locations and 1,897 more voting hours than in 2017.

Safety and COVID-19

Election Calgary’s public safety plan includes room capacity limits, physical distancing, separating entrances and exits, and time for election workers to clean surfaces and ensure their own safety. There is also an option for voters to cast their ballots outside instead of inside the voting station if they feel uncomfortable and cannot wear a mask indoors.

Advance Vote

You have the opportunity to take part in the Advance Vote from Oct. 4-10 at 37 designated stations. Voting is also open at City Hall from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. from Oct. 4-8, 2021, and at select campuses on specific days.

Special ballot (mail in) voting

If you are unable to vote at your designated Advance Vote or Election Day voting station because of a disability or illness; you are working, vacationing or studying away from home; or you are an election worker, candidate, campaign worker or scrutineer, you can request a special (mail-in) ballot by 12 p.m. on Election Day. Mail-in ballot packages will be sent to voters after Sept. 21, 2021. Learn more here.

Accessible voting

Each voting station is inspected for accessibility using Elections Canada’s accessibility standards. Voter assist machines are available at Advance Vote stations. Voters can mark a ballot using a braille keypad; touch-screen ballot; puff and sip; an audio recording with headset or a paddle. Magnifying glasses are available in voting stations upon request.

For voting help, you can bring an adult with you or ask an election worker to assist you. Curbside voting is also possible.

Tabulators

Tabulators will be used in this election to scan paper ballots at voting stations, improving the speed, accuracy, and timely report of results. Tabulators were successfully used in The City’s 2018 Olympic Vote, as well as in several other elections across Canada. Tabulators are rigorously tested prior to the election to confirm they are operating properly and accurately and have several physical and digital security measures in place.

Visit Elections Calgary for more information.