The city is preparing for the upcoming civic election by doing away with its 35 voting divisions and adding a third advanced polling date.
The Local Government Act requires council to adopt election bylaws and agreements for the upcoming municipal election on Nov. 15, including pay rates for election officials. The 2014 election is expected to cost the city $188,844 for salary and staff alone.
One of the big changes will be the end of the city's 35 voting divisions within which an elector had to vote.
"This will enable the vote 'at large' concept allowing electors to vote where they live, work, play or learn," said Lynne Axford, chief election officer, in her report to council. "This action on the part of council has numerous benefits that will improve the overarching voting experiences for electors and is in line with the city's commitment to leadership in social, economic and environmental sustainability.”
In 2011, the city was divided into the 35 divisions establishing the boundaries. Then in 2012, council approved the electronic voter strike-off system for the entire election process and authorized the vote-at-large concept for future elections.
The Burnaby School District and the city are expected to enter into a cost-sharing agreement, as well, which would see the district pay a portion of the costs related to the school trustees at a maximum of $10,000.
There will be 35 voting locations, 16 special voting opportunities and now three advanced voting opportunities at Brentwood Town Centre, Lougheed Town Centre, Metropolis at Metrotown, Edmonds Community Centre and the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. The three advanced voting dates will be on Nov. 1, 5 and 8, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The largest cost will be the 229 election officials, each receiving $345, working on election day, which will cost $79,005 in total.
Also, a special voting opportunity will be back at Burnaby Hospital on Nov. 15 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Other special voting events will be held on Nov. 4 at senior care facilities.
In the 2011 civic election, there were 145,781 eligible voters, but only 34,035 votes were cast.
For a full list of general voting day locations and pay rates, visit www.burnaby.ca.
