A third candidate has entered the race to become Sylvan Lake’s next mayor.
At the close of nominations Monday, Sean McIntyre, Susan Samson and Melesa Starcheski had filed papers vying for the town’s top elected position.
Another candidate for council joined those already announced who filed papers bringing the total to ten people seeking six positions around the decision-making table.
Campaigning for councillor positions are Megan Chernoff, Neil Evans, Charlie Everest, Rick Grimson, Christina Lust, Graham Parsons, David (Jas) Payne, Dale Plante, Matt Prete and Wendy Sauvageau.
Returning officer Pam Marchesi said there’s a new requirement during this election. Voters will have to provide identification when they register to vote.
The most commonly accepted piece of identification will likely be a driver’s license but Marchesi said there’s a whole list of other identification which will also be accepted. The list is available on the town’s website and will appear in ‘notice of election’ advertising.
Producing identification is one more step in the process for voters. She said they’ll show up at the polling station in the community centre, will register to vote, sign stating they are an eligible elector and provide their ID. “It’s an added step to the process we’ve always done.”
Election day is Monday, October 21 and polls will be continuously open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the community centre, 4725 43 Street.
Advance polls will be offered for citizens not able to visit the polling station on election day, according to the town’s website.
The advance polls will be held on Friday, October 4 from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Town of Sylvan Lake Government Building (town hall), at 5012 48th Avenue.
An institutional poll will be held for residents of Sylvan Lake Lodge, Sylvan Manor and Bethany Sylvan Lake.
Special (mail-in) ballots are an option for those unable to attend advance or election day polls due to physical incapacity or if they will be away from town. Applications for special ballots may be made by phone, fax, email, in person or writing. See the town’s website for numbers and addresses.
Residents will have a chance to hear from candidates about their platforms and to ask questions during two forums being organized by Sylvan Lake & District Chamber of Commerce. The mayoralty forum takes place beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 4 at the community centre and a councillor candidates’ forum takes place the following Friday (October 11) beginning at 7 p.m. at the community centre.