FREDERICTON (GNB) – Starting today, electors who wish to cast their ballot for the May 10 elections prior to election day and the advance polls, can do so by using a special ballot available at municipal returning offices located around the province.

The exception is at the satellite returning office in Edmundston, which remains closed to the public during the lockdown.

“This option offers greater flexibility to those who might not otherwise be able to cast their vote during the scheduled times,” said Kimberley Poffenroth, municipal electoral officer. “Voting early at the returning offices will also help us to reduce the potential for line-ups on election day.”

Poffenroth also said that since printed ballots are now available, the municipal returning offices will start processing the requests received so far for mail-in ballots.

“Electors can continue to apply for a vote-by-mail package either by using our online portal, or by downloading an application and submitting it to their local returning office,” said Poffenroth.

All mail-in ballots must be brought back to the returning office from where they were issued before 8 p.m. on election day.