Eligible Red Deer voters will soon be able to apply for a Special Ballot to participate in the 2021 Election.
Applications for Special Ballots, commonly referred to as mail-in ballots, officially open July 1. The City will start accepting applications on July 2 following the holiday, and will continue to accept Special Ballot applications until 4:30 p.m. on Election Day, October 18, 2021.
As directed in the Local Authorities Election Act, Special Ballots are available only to those who are unable to vote at an advance vote or at the voting station on Election Day for one of the following reasons:
- due to a physical disability;
- if the voter will be absent from the local jurisdiction (example: away from Red Deer or the Red Deer Catholic Separate School Division's ward you reside in); or
- if the voter is an Election Officer.
Eligible voters will find the special ballot application on the Elections website, elections.reddeer.ca, or can request one from the Returning Officer by emailing elections@reddeer.ca or phoning 403-342-8132.
Special Ballots will be mailed to voters, or available for pickup, following the close of nominations on Monday, September 20, and must be returned to the office of the Returning Officer no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, October 18.
The City announced earlier this month Red Deer voters can expect a new format for the 2021 Election. The City will host three Advanced Vote stations, which will be open for 13 days from October 4-16, as well as eight voting stations on Election Day. Eligible voters will be able to vote at any station, on any day they choose and will have a total of 47 different opportunities to vote. Voting stations will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.
Nominations for Mayor, Councillor and School Board Trustee opened in January and can continue to be submitted until noon on September 20, 2021.
Residents are encouraged to visit elections.reddeer.ca for information about the Election including voting opportunities, nomination forms, and a list of candidates to date.
For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communications
The City of Red Deer