Wasaga Beach: advance voting starts Sept. 30

By Trina Berlo – Simcoe.com Sep 28, 2010
WASAGA BEACH – Wasaga Beach clerk Twyla Nicholson, who is also the returning officer for the municipal election, has been working hard to encourage people to get out to the polls in the coming weeks.
Election Day is Oct. 25 and advance voting begins Sept. 30.
Nicholson is aiming for a 50 per cent voter turnout but acknowledges that is an ambitious goal.
During the last municipal election in 2006, 5,960 people voted out of a possible 19,106.
Wasaga Beach is using the same touch screen voting machines used in 2006. 
Nicholson said the results are instant and completely accurate.
Voters are welcome to visit town hall for a demonstration.
She said although the technology hasn’t changed much this time around, people will have to come better prepared than in the past.
“This is the first year the province is requiring us to ask for identification,” said Nicholson.
Every voter should come to the poll prepared to show proof of name, signature and address by offering a utility bill if the address is not shown on the identification. Voters may also be required to prove they are Canadian citizens.
Nicholson also asks people verify they are on the voters list.
“Voter cards are going out in the mail in the coming week. If you don’t get a card, you are not on the voters list,” she said.
There is a copy of the voters list at town hall, the RecPlex, the library and on the town’s website.
People who did get cards should bring them when they vote. Those who don’t have a card will have to register prior to voting.
Nicholson said anyone with a voter card would be able to ride the bus for free on Oct. 25 to the RecPlex where the voting machines will be set up.
People can vote at other locations during advance polls.
Advance Voting:  Thurs., Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the RecPlex.
Fri., Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Park Place, 1000 Golf Course Rd.
Sat., Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wasaga Stars Arena.
Thurs., Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the RecPlex.
Fri., Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the RecPlex.
Sat., Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Real Canadian Superstore, 25-45th St. S.
Thurs., Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the RecPlex.
Fri., Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the RecPlex.
Sat., Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the RecPlex.