By paNOW Staff

Let the voting begin

May 2, 2011 | 6:20 AM

It is a big day across Canada.

Today, voters head to the polls and choose who they want to represent them in the federal government.

The polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., said Leanne Nyirfa, Elections Canada spokeswoman.

The most important information is on the voter cards that went out in the mail because it tells people where their local polling station is, she said.

Once people know where to go, they need to make sure to have ID – there are a number of options.

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Voters can have government issued ID with their address and photo on it, like a driver’s license, or they can bring two pieces of other identification, one with an address and the other just needs to have a name such as a utility bill and a health card, Nyirfa said.

For those who don’t have either, there is one more option.

“Another person who lives in the same polling station as you can vouch for you. You neighbour or your roommate can come with you and take an oath for you,” she said.

People who have not received their voter information card need to register with Elections Canada.

They can do that by going to elections.ca or by calling 1-800-463-6868.

All types of acceptable identification are listed on the website as well, she said.

See more: voteNOW: Election coverage on paNOW

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