The end of election 44 is near!
On Monday (Sept. 20) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., voters in the riding of Port Moody-Coquitlam will head to the polls to cast a ballot and decide who they want to represent them in Ottawa.
The Tri-City News has prepared this last-minute election source for those who remain on the fence, or who need a refresher course on what the local candidates are vying for if elected to the House of Commons.
Firstly, here's who will appear on your ballot (in alphabetical order):
- Will Davis (Liberal)
- Desta McPherson (People's Party)
- Nelly Shin (Conservative)
- Roland Verrier (Marxist-Leninist Party)
- Bonita Zarrillo (NDP)
Shin is the incumbent and is hoping to earn a second term as the member of parliament for Port Moody-Coquitlam.
(It's also worth noting that each of the "big three" party leaders made a visit to the Tri-Cities at least once since the campaign began Aug. 15. You can view our coverage of those visits in the links at the bottom of the page.)
CANDIDATES' STANCE ON KEY ISSUES
In the last four weeks, the Tri-City News has addressed four timely, locally relevant subjects in the form of one question:
- Are you vaccinated against COVID-19, and should it be required in the workplace?
- As it's set to run through the Tri-Cities, are you in favour of the $12.6-billion Trans Mountain pipeline?
- UNDRIP [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples]: Do you believe this means First Nations should have a veto over any economic development activity on their traditional territory?
- Affordable housing crisis: Why is your party’s plan better?
WHAT ELSE DID THEY SAY?
If those questions weren't enough for you to decide who has your vote, there were other topics discussed at a forum hosted by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 7.
This included COVID-19 economic recovery, jobs, climate change, reconciliation, diversity and inclusion, and community priorities.
You can click the post below to catch the highlights, or if you want to watch it in its entirety!
HOW TO VOTE
So now that you've made it to this point in the article, here's what you need to know about voting on Election Day Monday.
For starters, it's the LAST CHANCE eligible residents aged 18 and older can cast a ballot for the 2021 federal election.
On your voter-information card, it'll show where your designated poll is located and will be open from 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
You will be required to bring ID such as a driver's licence or any other card issued by a Canadian government that shows your photo, name and current address; or two pieces of ID with your name and current address (on at least one card).
Each polling station is going to be following COVID-19 safety protocols so bring a mask, sanitize your hands and follow physical distancing signs.
But don't worry! A B.C. vaccine card is not required.
If you requested a vote-by-mail kit and haven't sent it back to Elections Canada, you MUST drop it off at your registered polling station (indicated on your voter-information card) on Monday, otherwise, it won't be counted.
If you requested this method of voting, you CAN NOT vote any other way!
Lastly, you can only vote ONCE!
For more information, you're encouraged to visit Elections Canada's website.
