Everything you need to know to vote in the 2017 Calgary General Election

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It’s almost time to vote.

And because the Calgary General Election happens only once every four years, it’s important for you to participate. This is your chance to vote for your mayor, councillors, and school board trustees.

Election Day is on October 16, but that’s not the only way or time you can vote. As it turns out, you have several different options – and you’ll be happy to know the process is rather simple.

To help you see why, we’ve compiled a list of things you need to know as the election approaches.

Voter ID

You need to bring ID that proves your identity and home address. Your Alberta driver’s license, Alberta Identification card, or government-issued/school documents will work as well. Picture ID is not a requirement.

Find a list of acceptable IDs here.

Where to vote

There are lots of ways to vote in Calgary. All eligible voters can vote at any voting place during advance voting, but have to vote at their designated voting station on Election Day. You can find the dates and locations of voting places by using the City of Calgary’s election guide on their website.

Advance voting

This makes for a simple and convenient way to vote if you can’t make it on Election Day on October 16. Advance voting is available throughout the city from noon to 7 pm on:

Wednesday, October 4
Thursday, October 5
Friday, October 6
Tuesday, October 10
Wednesday, October 11

And from noon to 5 pm on:

Saturday, October 7
Sunday, October 8

The stations are open to all eligible voters, and all advance voting locations are wheelchair accessible.

Voting by mail

You can request a voting package and cast your ballot by mail.

So, if you’re away during the election you can still vote. Just remember to make sure you return your completed voting package to the elections and census office no later than 8 pm on Election Day.

More info about voting by mail is available here.

General voting

Voting locations will be open from 10 am to 8 pm on Election Day – Monday, October 16. Voters must vote at their designated voting station on Election Day.

Remember, to be eligible to vote you:

Are at least 18 year old; and
Are a Canadian citizen; and
Have resided in Alberta since April 16, 2017; and
Are a resident on Election Day;
- Of the city of Calgary, to vote for Mayor; and
- Of the ward, to vote for Councillor; and
- Of the Calgary Board of Education, to vote for Public School Trustee; or
- Of the Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School District No. 1, to vote for Separate School Trustee
Provide one of the authorized pieces of identification.

For more information on how, where, and when to vote, visit Elections Calgary.

See also

Voter ID

Where to vote

Advance voting

Voting by mail

General voting