Elections Canada is reminding voters to check their polling station after a Sidney man received a postcard directing him to a wrong location.
Jon Blair received a card in the mail telling him to vote at Lakehill Elementary School — 22 kilometres away from his actual voting place in Sidney.
“I find this an odd business,” said Blair, who lives beside the Shoal Centre in Sidney, the voting place Elections Canada gives for his address.
The card was sent by Saanich-Gulf Islands Conservative candidate Robert Boyd.
A spokesperson from Boyd’s campaign said the error was unintentional and they have received reports of only two mistakes after sending out thousands of cards.
“This was an unfortunate mistake and there was no intent to misdirect this individual,” said an email from a Boyd campaign spokesperson.
“There are times when Elections Canada will change polling locations after campaigns have already printed the cards, which is why where is a disclaimer present asking voters to confirm their voting location with Elections Canada.”
An Elections Canada spokeswoman said voters are encouraged to contact their local returning officer with any concerns.
“You are calling that person in your riding who can confirm what information is on that card,” Dorothy Sitek said. “They’re on the ground, and changes do happen. A bridge can blow out or something like that.”
There is also an official complaints process, she said.
Anyone who receives a robocall, a live phone call, text, letter or email containing what might be suspicious or incorrect information should contact Elections Canada as soon as possible, she said. Complaints can be made online by filling out a special form, or by calling 1-800-463-6868.
It is illegal to “wilfully misdirect electors” to prevent them from voting, according to information on the Elections Canada website.
Elections Canada will ensure complainants have the correct information required to vote, ask for more details about the communication you received, and check to see if others are receiving similar calls, it says.
The federal agency never phones, texts or emails voters to tell them where to vote, or to indicate a polling place has moved.
For more information, go to elections.ca or call 1-800-463-6868.
