MUNICIPAL BY-ELECTION INFORMATION
Acceptable Voter Identification
Voter Identification Matters
The purpose of the voter ID requirements is to maintain the integrity of local election processes. Your name and address must appear in some form on your voter identification documents. Bringing proper identification will ensure your voice is heard and will help your local election run as smoothly as possible.
Photo ID - Your BEST option to take to the polls
Acceptable photo identification is ID that is government-issued, valid and has your photo, name and civic address. If your identification does not meet these criteria it will not be recognized as an acceptable form of photo identification.
Examples include:
- A valid Saskatchewan Driver's Licence. (If you still have a two-piece licence, make sure you have both pieces).
- A valid Saskatchewan ID card issued by SGI or any motor licence issuer. (Available for $10 or free for seniors).
- Any other valid government issued photo ID issued by a Canadian government whether federal, provincial or municipal, or an agency of that government, so long as it includes your name and address.
If you do not currently have photo identification you can acquire non-drivers photo-ID from SGI.
For a complete list of acceptable identification view Appendix D - Table 1 page 70-72 of The Local Government Election Regulations, 2015.
A Canadian passport is not an acceptable form of photo identification because it does not contain your address. However, a Canadian passport can be used as identification if paired with another document that has your name and address on it.
Non-Photo ID Options
If you don't have photo identification and are unable to obtain photo-ID before Election Day, you can present two other pieces of information, as long as both contain your name and at least one contains your address.
Examples include:
- Valid ID cards or certificates issued by the Canadian or Saskatchewan government, a Saskatchewan municipality or school division, a Saskatchewan Indian band, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan or an agency of one of these entities.
- Personal correspondence, benefit/contribution statements and tax/assessment notices issued by any of the above entities.
- Bank/credit union cards, credit cards and statements.
- Utility bills and statements issued within six months of the date of the election.
- Personalized attestation of residence, letter of stay or admission form issued by a seniors or student residence, long term care or shelter facility.
Polling Information
Before Heading to the polls
Ensure your identification is acceptable
Identification that would not be acceptable as proof of identity includes:
- ID that is expired.
- ID that is not original (copied or otherwise reproduced).
- A general (not personal) attestation of residence, class or membership lists and other documents showing multiple names.
Information that is issued monthly (utility bills, bank statements) must be dated within six months preceding election day to be acceptable and information issued annually (property tax bill) must be dated within the same year the election is being held.
Understand the Vouching Process
A person without acceptable ID but who is accompanied by another voter who has acceptable ID and is entitled to vote at the same polling place can be vouched for by that individual using the form available at the polling station from an election official.
Please Note:
- A voter with acceptable ID may only vouch for one other person, except for immediate family members living at the same address as the voucher.
- A person who has been vouched for cannot vouch for another voter.
- Election officials, candidates and candidate's agents are prohibited from vouching.
At the Polls
- Voting will occur at designated polling places on Election Day.
- Voting can occur at one or more advance polls in most municipalities.
- Advance polls are optional in resort villages and rural municipalities.
- Municipalities may provide opportunities for people to vote by mail.
- Municipalities may provide for a mobile poll or one or more polls at hospitals or personal care facilities.
- No candidate, agent or other person shall canvass or solicit votes in a polling place or within 100 metres of the building where the poll is held when the polls are open or make any communication to a person intending to vote otherwise than through the Deputy Returning Officer
Secrecy of vote
- Every election official, candidate or agent of a candidate in attendance at a polling place shall adhere to the principle of secrecy of vote and sign an oath of office.
- Many of the offences related to secrecy of vote are described in sections 168 to 184 of The Local Government Election Act, 2015.
Agents and candidates
- A candidate and two of his/her agents may be at each poll with the exception of mobile polls
- In all municipalities, a candidate or one of his/her agents may be present during the counting of the ballots
- Candidates or agents have the right to object to the eligibility of a voter
Any objections with respect to a voter’s eligibility are to be directed to the Deputy Returning Officer, not to the voter.