Local news delivered daily to your email inbox. Subscribe for FREE to the rdnewsNOW newsletter.
(The Canadian Press/Andrew Vaughan)
going to the polls

Innisfail to ensure June 8 by-election is safe for voters

May 7, 2020 | 12:45 PM

Innisfail residents will go to the polls on June 8 to elect a new town councillor.

Doug Bos resigned from his spot on council this past March, and under the Municipal Government Act, the town is required to fill that spot within 120 days.

The MGA also says a municipality must hold a by-election if a councillor resigns more than 18 months ahead of the next scheduled election.

Four candidates are in the running: Donald Harrison, Daryl Hillman, Jim Kristinson and Patrick Teskey.

There will be one polling station on June 8 at the Library Learning Centre Community Room (5300 55 Street Close) that will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In addition, there are two advanced voting days happening at the LLC; May 29 from 4-8 p.m. and May 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Town will also accept special ballots. Get further instructions by calling the Returning Officer at 403-227-3376.

“I still see turnout being a little lower than a normal election, but with the government recently changing a few parameters, that could open a few more avenues for people to come out,” says Heather Whymark, Returning Officer.

“Plus, there’s lots of engagement happening on social media, with surveys going out from candidates, and candidates asking if family members can wear shirts. I’ve seen a much different way of campaigning, and they have to be innovative. Maybe it’s a good thing that they’ll have to think outside the box.”

Whymark says the polling station will likely be a bit slower moving on election day, but only because they’ll be doing the utmost to ensure everyone’s safety. Sanitizer, masks and floor markings will all be in place for voters.

The buttons on electronic voting machines will also be sanitized after each use.

The Innisfail PACE Bus will operate trips to and from the polling station free of charge on Election Day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Trips must be booked in advance, and to schedule a free pickup/drop-off, call 403-227-3622.

The Innisfail Chamber will host a virtual all-candidates forum at 7 p.m. on May 20. A platform is yet to be decided, and the Chamber will issue an update on its social media and website in the coming days.

Further information is on the Town’s website.