In the first week of advance voting for the Timmins election, the city says participation is positive.
For the second consecutive election, advance polls are being done online. People without a computer or internet connection can vote at kiosks are available at four locations.
Voting opened on Tuesday (Oct. 11) and is going well so far.
“Providing the current number of online voters at this early point in the election could influence voters. Online participation has been positive. We are currently outpacing 2018 online voter turnout," said Steph Palmateer, city clerk, in a statement.
In the last election, 5,582 votes were cast online ahead of election day, when in-person polls are also open. In the 2014 election, 6,039 votes were cast ahead of election day.
Overall, the voter turnout online and in-person in 2018 was 53.49 per cent.
To vote online, you'll need your voter ID and pin, which were mailed to residents. You'll also be asked to enter the year of your birth.
To be eligible to vote, you must be at least 18 years old on Oct. 24 and be a Canadian citizen. You or your spouse must also live, rent or own property in the city, and not be otherwise prohibited by law from voting under the Municipal Elections Act or other legislation.
In Timmins, there are nine seats at the table. The mayor is elected at large, with everyone getting to cast a ballot.
One councillor is elected for wards one (Mountjoy), two (South Porcupine), three (Schumacher) and four (Porcupine), and ward five is represented by four councillors. You can look at the ward maps here.
School board trustee positions will also be filled, with representatives needed for the French and English public boards, as well as the French and English Catholic boards.
Find out more information on the candidates here.
