Downtown Eastside residents vote at mobile polls in a special advance poll

Residents of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside were able to vote ahead of Tuesday’s upcoming municipal election.

Election workers set up mobile voting booths inside the Union Gospel Mission (UGM) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. as part of an initiative to reach those who would otherwise not be able to vote.

“What we’re hoping to do is connect with people who come to UGM regularly and make sure they have the opportunity to have their voices heard,” said UGM Director Nicole Mucci. , in an interview with CBC. The first edition.

This is one of many special voting opportunities held across the city that began in late September at a number of organizations including charities, resource centers and long-term care homes. , several of which are also found in the Downtown Eastside.

“Anyone who has the opportunity to feel their voice is heard…is a win,” Mucci said.

“People who live in the Downtown Eastside … often feel like they’re not being heard, or unfortunately sometimes they feel tokenized when it comes to election season.”

Mucci said those who don’t have a permanent address or government-issued ID can still vote in other ways, including showing a government income assistance check stub or asking another person to vouch for their identity.

The City of Vancouver lists other items as potential IDs, including a prescription drug container, hospital bracelet, debit card or utility bill.

More information on the required voting ID can be found here.

A City of Vancouver spokesperson said those unable to make it to any of the special voting opportunities in the Downtown Eastside can still vote in advance at the Carnegie Community Center located at 401 Main Street on 5, 8, October 11. or 13, or election day October 15 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.