The initial mailout for referendum voting packages is now complete. Eligible voters who did not receive a voting package have until midnight November 23, 2018, to request a package:
· Online: elections.bc.ca
· By phone: 1-800-661-8683 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
· In person: At a Service BC Centre or Referendum Service Office (find a location: elections.bc.ca)
To vote in the referendum, an individual must be:
· a Canadian citizen,
· 18 or older as of November 30, 2018, and
· a resident of B.C. for at least six months immediately before November 30, 2018
To date, rotating strikes by Canada Post workers have not materially impacted the referendum timing. Voters still have plenty of time to cast their votes. Elections BC continues to monitor the situation closely and has the authority to extend the voting period for the referendum if job action at Canada Post materially impacts the amount of time voters have to complete and return their voting package. Any changes will be communicated with the public.
Each referendum voting package is personally addressed to a registered voter, and voters may only use the package that is addressed to them. The package includes a ballot and instructions on how to complete the package and return it to Elections BC.
Elections BC must receive completed voting packages by 4:30 p.m. November 30, 2018. Voters are encouraged to return their package early to ensure it is received by the deadline. Completed voting packages can be returned by mail using the postage-paid return envelope or to any Service BC Centre or Referendum Service Office.
Starting today, Elections BC will be posting the number of returned ballot packages on a daily basis at elections.bc.ca/referendum/referendumresources.