What you need to know for election day in Saskatoon

It’s time to get your vote on, Saskatoon.

Polling stations for the municipal election are open today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.  

Voters will be given one ballot containing all of the races – mayor, councillor and school board trustee – to be taken into a booth and filled out.

Want to learn more about the candidates? 650 CKOM has compiled all of that in one nifty place.

After you’ve voted, the ballot will be fed into a computer, which will automatically count the votes and issue the results after the polls have closed.

650 CKOM will then broadcast the results live from city hall starting at 8 p.m. You can also find the results on our website, Twitter and Facebook pages.

Lastly, Environment Canada is calling for a high of eight, with increasing cloudiness. With all that in mind, here’s what you need to know before heading to the polls:

Am I able to vote?

For starters, you need to be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, to vote. Additionally, you’d have to be a resident of Saskatchewan for at least six consecutive months, and a resident of Saskatoon for at least three, immediately preceding the day of the election.

If you don’t live in Saskatoon, but have owned assessable land in the city for at least three consecutive months immediately preceding the day of the election, you can vote for mayor and Ward councillor – but you’re not eligible to vote for the school boards.

Oh, and you can only vote once in a municipal election in Saskatoon.

What do I need to bring?

There is no voters list, so you’ll need to bring acceptable ID and sign a declaration that you are eligible to vote at your polling station.

Don’t know your polling station? Find it here.

Your best option is a photo ID issued by a federal, provincial or municipal government with your name and address – such as a driver’s licence.

Another option is providing two original pieces of information, both of which must have your name and at least one that contains your address. So a utility bill, issued to you within the last six months, and a credit card statement would work together.

Lastly, if neither option above works, you may have another voter vouch – or provide assurance of identity and address – for you. More information on that can be found here.

How do I get out to vote?

On election day, people can hitch a free ride on any city bus – but there’s a little prep work to do first. Riders are required to download the free pass, which will be accepted either as a printed copy or as an electronic version.

Paper versions can be picked up at the customer service centres for both the city and Saskatoon Transit.  They’re also available at any Saskatoon Public Library location or city leisure centre.

Riders will need to present their pass to the bus driver to gain free access.

Passes do not have a limited number of uses and will expire at end of service on Wednesday.