Photo: Contributed

Penticton council voted this week to have one of its advance polling stations for the upcoming election at the mall.

The decision was reached after Councillor Helena Konanz mentioned it to staff a few weeks ago. It was then placed on Monday's agenda.

"I had heard that Kelowna was putting one in their mall, and I thought that was a great idea, to make it public so it becomes something the general public can do while shopping," she said.

Konanz further believes having the station at that location will get more young people out to vote.

The 2014 General Election is scheduled this year, with general voting day set provincially on Saturday, Nov. 15.

Legislation requires municipalities offer a minimum of two advance voting days, where voters can attend before general voting day to cast their ballot.

One of those days has been set for City Hall to enable access for citizens in the north end of town, and two locations were presented to council for residents in the south end.

Cherry Lane Shopping Centre was subsequently selected to be the location of the advance poll on Nov. 6.

Following another suggestion by Konanz, council also approved the allowance of free fares for anyone traveling to vote by public transit.

Konanz wants the word to get out that this is happening.

"It's really important to let people know or it won't be a constructive change," she said. "I am hoping signs go up on busses or in the mall, that there will be a polling station at the mall."