Byelection ballots rolling in

With the council byelection coming up this Monday (Jan. 14), a total of 2,161 ballots have come in so far, returning officer Glenn Treftlin reported yesterday afternoon.
With a total of 5,993 eligible voters in Fort Frances, voter turnout so far is at 36 percent. The turnout in the last couple of municipal elections has been in the 50-55 percent range.
Treftlin noted those who plan on voting, but haven’t already done so, should forego mailing them and instead return them by hand to the Civic Centre.
Those who fill out their voting kits and return them in person can do so up until 8 p.m. on Monday.
The Civic Centre is open from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and also will be open this Saturday (Jan. 12) from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. so residents can turn in their ballots.
Voters also can put their ballots into the drop box outside the Civic Centre.
Treftlin reminded voters to read and follow all the directions in their voting kit before filling out their ballot and returning it as a small number have returned theirs incorrectly.
Meanwhile, those who still haven’t received their voting kit must check in with the town.
Treftlin noted they still have quite a few that were returned to them and that there’s a good chance if someone didn’t get one, the town has it.
People also should contact the clerk’s office if:
•they receive a voter kit and they’re not a qualified voter;
•they receive the wrong voter kit; and/or
•they spoil their ballot while completing the kit.
Incorrect voter kits are to be returned—unopened—to the clerk’s office.
Extra voter kits are available at the clerk’s office for electors who did not receive a kit, received a wrong one, or inadvertently spoiled their ballot.
The elector will have to complete some paperwork in order to receive a replacement kit/ballot, and bring identification to prove their citizenship, that they’re over 18, and that they live or own property here (such as a utility or tax bill).
Anyone with questions regarding the byelection can call Treftlin or assistant returning officer Lori Pattison at 274-5323 (ext. 236 or ext. 290).
The ballots will be counted after the polls close at 8 p.m. on Monday,
Treftlin said he has a total of 20 volunteers (10 teams of two) to count them, but the final number of returns will determine how many teams he’ll actually require.
He felt the tabulation won’t take too long Monday night.
As in past elections, the public is welcome to attend Council Chambers, where Information and Technology manager Darryl Allan will be providing election updates as they’re made available.
The event also will be broadcast live on Shaw (Channel 10).
Former councillor Todd Hamilton and Ken Perry are vying for the seat that came open when Coun. Tannis Drysdale resigned back in September.
The term of office is the remainder of the four-year term of the current council, which ends Nov. 30, 2010.