Potential candidate Alex Reed said his early days of door knocking have revealed what may be a link to the abysmal voter turnout of 33 per cent in the 2013 election.
“I discovered that some people don’t vote because they think they have to select or elect all the vacant positions and are shocked when I tell them they can only vote for those candidates they want,” said Reed, who announced his intentions to run two weeks ago.
Jaylene Knight, manager of legislative services and returning officer for the Oct. 16 election, said the town is hopeful to reach their ambitious goal of a 40 per cent voter turnout and encourages people who only want to get behind one candidate, or two or three to do so.
“People can vote for one person if they choose – the only restriction is that people can’t vote for more than six councillor candidates and one mayoral candidate,” explained Knight, adding that the electronic voting system greatly reduces spoiled ballots as the system recognizes them and will generate a new ballot.
Knight said it’s important to remember valid photo identification. For those whose addresses are listed as a post office box, bring some type of supplementary proof to indicate physical address – such as a property tax bill or a lease agreement.
She said the town will have additional advanced voting opportunities to help encourage a better turnout.
“The more people who come out to vote, the better it is for the town.”
For a full list of election rules visit cochrane.ca/election. Nomination day is Sept. 18.
