The Senior Election Official with the Rural Municipality of Hanover says it has been a quiet start to the municipal election race in Hanover.

October 26th is election day in Manitoba. Lois Gresiuk says so far there are only a few official candidates in Hanover, though several others have announced their intentions. 

Gresiuk says there are approximately 9,200 eligible voters in Hanover. However, the voter's list is open and active for additions and corrections, meaning more voters could be added each day.

Hanover residents looking to confirm they are on the voter's list can do so by visiting the RM of Hanover website. Gresiuk says they can click on the 2022 Municipal Election tab, then head over to the Voter's List Information tab and either submit their information directly or download a printable version and get it to the RM office. 

If you are not on the voter's list, Gresiuk says it is entirely still possible to vote on election day. She notes all it means is that voters will have to bring a government-issued photo ID with them when they visit the polling station. And that ID must include their physical address.

To be an eligible voter on October 26th, you need to be a Canadian citizen and 18 years of age on election day. You must also have lived in the municipality you are voting in, for at least six months prior to the election. That means you have to have lived there since April 26th. This is the same criteria for all municipalities in Manitoba, and not only Hanover. Editing of the voter's list in Hanover ends on September 20th.

Gresiuk says there are a few important dates that Manitobans need to keep in mind. She notes in Hanover, reeve candidates must register between May 1st and September 20th, while councillor candidates must register between June 30th and September 20th. All candidates must file nomination papers. The nomination period is September 14th to 20th. Then, September 21st is the date of voluntary withdrawal.

According to Gresiuk, one of the more common questions being asked by prospective candidates is how many supportive signatures they need for their nomination. She notes interested candidates need 25 signatures from residents on the voter's list in order to successfully nominate themselves. 

"They are not guaranteeing to vote for anybody," stresses Gresiuk, regarding the 25 individuals providing supportive signatures. "They are just saying 'yes, this person would be a wise one to be a candidate.'"