Nova Scotia Municipal Elections 2012

How to Vote

To vote for council, an elector must be 18 years of age on election day, be a Canadian citizen and have been a resident in the municipality for three months preceding election day.

Every municipality will advertise how, when and where you can find out if you are on the voter's list or about revising the voter's list. Watch the newspapers, or check your municipality's website for information, starting in July and August.

There are many ways you can be added to the voter’s list. The first way is during the revision period by contacting the office of the returning officer prior to the list being finalized. Following the period of revision, a certificate of eligibility can be obtained from the returning officer at which time you can be added to the list, or you can be added on election day or at the advance poll by taking an oath or affirmation and showing identification containing your name and address, to the election official.

If you are going to be away on election day, you may vote at either advance poll - the dates will be advertised by your municipality. If you cannot vote at a polling station because of illness, disability or absence from the municipality, you can apply to appoint a proxy voter. A proxy voter can vote on your behalf if you are unable to vote in person. An application must be made to your returning officer.

Your municipality will tell you where to vote in the Notice of Poll which will appear in a newspaper circulating in your area after nominations close.

Some municipalities may provide alternate voting methods to include Internet and telephone voting.

Every municipality has a returning officer who administers the election in the municipality. Your municipal returning officer is your most important source of information about municipal elections.