They only come around once every four years and they feature underdogs overcoming the odds, tears on the faces of winners and losers and previous top dogs being knocked off the podium by the next generation of competitors.
No, not the Olympics. Municipal elections.
Thompson will vote in a new mayor, at least five new city councillors and at least three new School District of Mystery Lake school board trustees today from among two mayoral candidates, 18 council candidates and 11 school board trustee candidates.
To vote in this election, you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on Oct. 22 and have been a resident of Thompson for at least six months. Non-resident owners of property in the city are also eligible to cast a ballot for the mayor and council but not the school board trustees, with a maximum of two co-owners per property voting. You do not have to have a fixed address in the city so, for example, people who have been staying at the Thompson Homeless Shelter may be eligible to cast a vote. You do not have to be on the voters list to vote but can register on election day.
Voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the six elementary schools in Thomopson. There will also be a mobile voting station at Rotary Place from 10 a.m. to noon, at Thompson General Hospital from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and at Northern Spirit Manor from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. for people who are qualified to vote but reside in those health care facilities. Voters may be required to provide identification before being allowed to vote, including either one piece of government issued photo ID like a drivers’ licence or a passport, or at least two other documents that provide proof of identity.
Accidentally spoiled ballots can be replaced and voters with a physical disability may ask voting officials to allow another person to assist with the marking of the ballot. Those with vision problems can use a template to assist them in marking their ballots or have an election official or friend assist them in the process.
Thompson voters can vote for one mayoral candidate, up to seven school board trustee candidates and up to eight councillor candidates.
For more information on the voting process, contact senior election official Dave Turpie at 204-679-1000.
