Register to Vote, Voter Eligibility and ID Requirements
Register to Vote
Under new provincial legislation, all eligible voters who wish to vote in an Alberta Municipal Election must be listed on a Permanent Electors Register which will be maintained by each municipality.
How Do I Register to Vote?
Registering in advance for the Town of Ponoka's Permanent Electors Register will ensure your voting experience is as smooth as possible. Simply visit voterlink.ab.ca where you can confirm and/or register to vote and update your existing voter information.
Voter Eligibility
You are eligible to vote in the Town of Ponoka if you are: At least 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen and your place of residence is in the Town of Ponoka on Election Day, October 20, 2025.
There are two scenarios that will determine what ID you need to bring with you to a Voting Station in order to vote:
- Registered voters are required to show valid government issued identification containing, at minimum, the voters photograph and name.
- Non-Registered voters are required to show valid government issued identification containing the voters photograph, name and current address.
- Those unable to produce government photo ID, must produce one piece of ID with name, plus a second piece of ID with name and current address.
- Those unable to produce ID with their current address may have a registered voter vouch for them.
If you are a non-registered voter unable to produce identification with your address, you may have a registered voter vouch for you.
An individual can have another voter vouch for them if:
- The individual requesting shows valid identification.
- The individual requesting submits a statement by filling out a form provided by the Elector Register Administrator at a Voting Station.
- The individual requesting is accompanied by another voter who can validate their current address.
- This voter who is validating an address needs to be registered and listed on the Permanent Electors Register.
- The voter who is validating may vouch for more than one person ONLY if every person they vouch for shares the same current address.
- A scrutineer shall not vouch for any person.
Registered Voter ID Requirements
All registered voters are required to show valid government issued identification containing, at minimum, the voters photograph and name.
If you are registered, it is recommended to use one of the following common types of identification:
- Alberta Drivers Licence
- Alberta Identification Card
- Certificate of Indian Status Card
- First Nation Membership Card
- Métis Nation of Alberta Citizenship Card
- Métis Settlement Membership Card
- Firearm Possession and Acquisition (PAL) Licence
- Alberta Service Dog ID Card
- Canadian Passport
- Canadian Citizenship Card
- CANPASS, FAST, or Nexus Card
- CATSA Identification Card
- Canadian Forces ID Card
- Veterans Health Care ID Card
Non-Registered Voter ID Requirements
All Non-Registered Voters are Required to:
- Complete a statement of elector eligibility that they are eligible to vote.
- Show valid government issued identification containing the voters photograph, name and current address. It is recommended to use one of the following common types of identification:
- Alberta Drivers Licence
- Alberta Identification Card
If You Do Not Have Photo ID and/or Changed Your Address
If you are a non-registered voter unable to produce government issued photo identification or your address has recently changed, you'll be required to provide two pieces of Valid ID. One piece of Valid ID with your name, along with a second piece of Valid ID that confirms your name and lists your current address. It is recommended to use the following common types of identification:
First Piece of ID (must include your name) | Second Piece of ID (must include your name and your current address) |
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Register of Candidates
The Register of Candidates is a record of all candidates who have given notice to the Town of Ponoka Election Office that they intend to seek nomination for office in the next general election, as required by the Local Authorities Election Act.
The Town of Ponoka is required to maintain a register of candidates that have filed a Notice of Intent to Run and the register will be publicly available here on the Town’s website until December 31, 2025.
First Name | Last Name | Office Of | Date Filed |
Kevin | Ferguson | Mayor | March 19, 2025 |
Sandra | Lyon | Councillor | March 19, 2025 |
Cal | David | Councillor | April 29, 2025 |
Clayton | Nelson | Councillor | May 20, 2025 |
Katherine | Steblyk | Councillor | July 9, 2025 |
Special Ballots
A special ballot is available for eligible voters who are:
- Registered and listed on the Permanent Electors Register; and
- Unable to vote during advance voting or on election day.
An eligible voter must submit a request to the Returning Officer for a special ballot. Special ballots requests can only be submitted from August 1 to October 15. The requests can be made in writing, by telephone, in person or by email.
Eligible voters requesting a special ballot are required to make the request using the Request for Special Ballot Package. The request cannot be made by another individual on the eligible voter’s behalf.
Important Dates for Special Ballots
Date | Details |
August 1 | Applications open for special ballots. |
September 29 | The Election Office will start distributing special ballot packages to eligible voters who have requested them. |
October 15 at 4 p.m. | Application deadline for requesting special ballots. |
October 20 at 4 p.m. | Completed special ballots must be received by the Election Office no later than October 20, 2025 at 4 p.m. |
How to Request a Special Ballot
An application for a special ballot may be made to the Returning Officer in writing, by telephone, in person or by email and must be submitted by October 15.
Submit Your Completed Special Ballot
Special ballot packages will be issued to eligible applicants after Nomination Day (September 22). Step-by-step instructions will be included in the special ballot package.
Eligible voters must submit the completed special ballot package to the Returning Officer no later than 4 p.m. on Monday, October 20 (Election Day).
Please note: any special ballot packages that are incorrect, incomplete or received after 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 20, will not be accepted or counted.