News from the Returning Officer in Langford

Several Thetis Islanders are still having difficulties making sure they are registered to vote on Oct. 19th.  Don't assume you are already registered just because you have voted  Federally for the past thirty years. Many of us have found we somehow were cut from the list.  The Returning Officer has no idea why this is happening but it appears to be quite common in BC. Take nothing for granted.

I phoned the Returning Officer today with several questions and took notes:

*It is best to phone in from Thetis Island rather than use the online forms. They can use the first PO Box number but the number after our dash is called the slot number, and sometimes that won't work. Phone them: 1-866-545-0469  - it's toll free.

*If you have moved here from a different riding four years ago, you must sign a transfer form.  You can sign this at the Returning Office in Langford (just outside of Victoria) or bring all your identification to the Thetis Island Poll on voting day and get transferred there.

*The Riding Office for our new riding of Cowichan-Malahat-Langford is at #117- 777 Goldstream Avenue in the Langford Plaza strip mall next to Brown's Social House and a Starbucks.

*Advance Polls if you can't vote on the 19th will be held in Duncan and other locations on the Thanksgiving Long Weekend.  Phone the Riding Office for the location 1-866-545-0469. Please note that the ferry cost for seniors will be full fare on those dates.

*You can request a Special Ballot from the Riding Office and use it one of two ways. You can phone them for the Special Ballot and they will send it to you and you can fax in your  identification they will make sure you are registered and you can mail in your ballot. It must be received before 7 pm on October 19th. Or you can drop in to the Riding Office in Langford any day up to the 16th  of October by 6 pm, and vote there by Special Ballot.

*Please phone the Riding Office with any questions. Toll Free 1-866-545-0469.

*Yes, we will have a polling station on Thetis Island on October 19th from 7 a.m to 7 p.m at Forbes Hall. (Some times will be busier than others, so please be patient.) And remember that your vote is extremely important.

Jeannine Caldbeck