Islanders are gearing up for municipal elections taking place in 56 communities across Prince Edward Island on November 2. Over 400 positions are open for candidates to vie for, with Elections P.E.I. overseeing the process in Charlottetown, Summerside, Stratford, Cornwall, and Three Rivers, while other municipalities handle their own elections.
Paul Alan, the manager of election operations and communications at Elections P.E.I., emphasized the importance of key dates and details for prospective candidates and voters alike. Unlike provincial elections, candidates can commence campaigning once they publicly announce their intention to run, allowing them to collect donations and distribute election materials such as door hangers and posters.
The official registration period for candidates in Charlottetown, Cornwall, Stratford, Summerside, and Three Rivers starts on October 7 at 9 a.m. and ends on October 16 at 2 p.m. Nomination papers can be obtained from the Elections P.E.I. website and submitted to the returning office. Candidates must secure a specified number of signatures from electors, varying by municipality.
For those planning to vote, eligibility requires being a Canadian citizen aged 18 or above on or before election day, having resided in P.E.I. for at least six months prior, and being a resident of the municipality in which they vote. Advance voting opportunities will be available on October 24, 26, and 30 for the five municipalities under Elections P.E.I.’s administration.
Voters will receive voter information cards with details on advance polls and election day voting locations. Proper identification showing name and address is necessary to cast a vote. In Charlottetown, voters will receive separate ballots for mayor and councillor, both of which are placed in the same ballot box.
Additional information regarding Elections P.E.I.-administered municipalities can be found on the electionspei.ca website, while voters in other communities can access details on the provincial municipal elections website.