NEWS RELEASE
October 1, 2021
For immediate release

Cold Lake, AB – Voters can cast their ballot in the upcoming municipal election without leaving the comfort and safety of their vehicle. For the first time in Cold Lake, drive-through voting will be available to electors who wish to cast their ballot ahead of election day.

“We are excited to offer this new form of advance voting to residents, particularly in the midst of the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Returning Officer Kristy Isert. “Those who prefer not to attend an indoor public polling station are still able to cast their vote with minimal interaction with those outside their family cohort. It’s also a more convenient way to vote for those with mobility challenges, those who have little ones in the vehicle with them, or those who simply don’t want to wait in line on election day or during one of the walk-in advance polls. We hope to see many residents take advantage of the advance voting opportunities, particularly the drive-through polls.”

Voters have four opportunities to cast their ballot during advance polling, including two drive-through polls and two walk-in polls.

Access to the Energy Centre on drive-through voting days is through the main (west) doors. The process for drive-through voting is as follows. See the attached map for more information:

1. Enter Energy Centre site using main Hwy. 28 access (16 Ave. access will be closed on drive-through voting days) and proceed east through the roundabout.

2. Follow the signs and approach Tent #1. Receive a voter registration form. Each voter in the vehicle must fill out a separate registration form. Drive ahead before filling out registration form.

3. Approach Tent #2. Hand registration form to election worker and place ID up to the window for inspection. Election worker will review ID and registration form.

4. Approach Tent #3. Election worker will collect registration form and provide a ballot and secrecy sleeve. Drive ahead before filling out ballot.

5. Approach Tent #4. Place completed ballot inside secrecy sleeve and hand to election worker. Election worker will assist in placing ballot into the tabulating machine. Voter remains in vehicle.

6. Exit straight ahead via north access road to 16 Avenue.

Important to note, the Energy Centre recycling drop-off bins and east and south parking lots will be closed during drive-through advance polling. Residents should use the main (west) parking lot and the downtown recycling drop-off bins (4811-50 Street).

Whether voting on election day, or during one of the advance polls, voters must provide valid identification which shows their full name and address. A list of acceptable forms of ID is posted at www.coldlake.com.

The City of Cold Lake has put in place health and safety measures to keep polling places safe for electors. All public health restrictions imposed by the Government of Alberta will be adhered to at polling stations. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, are a close contact of someone who has tested positive, have symptoms of COVID-19 or are feeling ill, stay home and do not attend a City of Cold Lake walk-in or drive-through polling station.

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