It's federal election day, and Canadians are heading to the polls to cast their ballots.

In the Banff-Airdrie, we have nine candidates on the ballot.

Here are a few of the things you'll need to know when voting in Banff-Airdrie.

Polling stations and voting registration

  • Polls open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.
  • The location will be on the voter information card you received in the mail.
  • Electors who are not registered can still vote. They can register at their polling station on election day. To find their polling station, electors can enter their postal code online or call 1-800-463‑6868.
  • Unlike the last provincial election, you must vote at your assigned polling station.

COVID-19 Safety measures

  • The use of face masks will be encouraged but no one will be turned away if they don't want to wear one. 
  • Masks will be available to electors who do not bring their own.
  • Poll workers will be provided with masks, face shields, and other protective equipment.
  • There will be hand sanitizing stations at polling places, and only one poll worker per desk behind a plexiglass barrier to serve electors.
  • Single-use pencils will be provided. Electors can also bring their own pen or pencil.
  • Poll workers will be sanitizing work stations, door handles, and common surfaces throughout the day.
  • Any elector who thinks they may have COVID-19 or who has tested positive for the virus to isolate, is asked to stay home and not come to an Elections Canada office or polling place. If they did not vote in advance or vote by mail they will be unable to participate.
  • Because of these measures, voting may take longer than normal, so please be patient.

Who can vote, and what do you bring?

To vote in the federal election, you must:

  • be a Canadian citizen
  • be at least 18 years old on election day
  • prove your identity and address.
  • Eligible electors who are homeless or have no fixed address can register and vote.

How to prove your identity

  • Bring your driver's licence, or any other card issued by a Canadian government (federal, provincial/territorial, or local) with your photo, name, and current address.
  • Show two pieces of ID that include your name, at least one of which shows your current address.
  • If you don't have ID, you can still vote if you declare your identity and address in writing and have someone who knows you and who is assigned to your polling station vouch for you. The voucher must be able to prove their identity and address. A person can vouch for only one person (except in long-term care facilities).

Should you require further details, click here.

Before today, nearly 26,000 people cast their ballots at advance polls across the Banff-Airdrie constituency.

Late this afternoon, 91.5 FM Cochrane Now will begin its special coverage of the federal election. We'll be bringing you regular updates both on-air and online until the unofficial winner is announced both in Banff-Airdrie and federally.