Peeved over polling station

Photo: Contributed

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen director Tom Siddon and other Kaleden residents are concerned that some will have to vote in Penticton in the upcoming federal election.

Siddon said they have voted at the community hall in Kaleden for 25 years, but he and others have received voter cards saying they are registered to vote at the South Main Drop-In Centre, six miles away. 

"My wife called about it, and several other neighbours said 'Why is this card telling me I have to go to Penticton to vote when there is a place to vote in Kaleden?'" said Siddon.

The situation is also not applicable to all residents, some are still able to vote where they live.

An elections official for South Okanagan West Kootenay said it is a polling district that includes part of Kaleden and part of Penticton and that's why they are being asked to vote in the city.

The change is because the boundaries were redrawn in the new electoral district.

Siddon believes the situation just isn't right.

"Somebody or some machine has decided that we have to vote in Penticton," he said. "I have friends over 80 who are not able or willing to drive for a 10-minute job to cast your vote. This is a major inconvenience for many seniors in Kaleden."

He believes the electoral officer should have flexibility to make an amendment.

"Someone screwed up on this. There is no rational excuse for not being able to vote in Kaleden," he said. "I think someone should fix this problem."