How to vote in Metro Vancouver's transit referendum

Next week, voters will start receiving their ballots for the upcoming Metro Vancouver transit plebiscite asking whether they support a 0.5 per cent sales tax to go towards transit improvements in the region.

The ballots will arrive in mailboxes between March 16 and March 27.

Here are five tips from Election B.C.'s Don Main on casting your ballot.

1. Register to vote.

If you're already registered to vote, you will automatically receive a ballot.

If you aren't registered to vote, you can sign up online, or by phoning Elections B.C. at 1-800-661-8683

2. Make sure you're eligible to vote.

Voters have to be Canadian citizens, 18 years or older on or before May 29, 2015, a resident of B.C. for at least six months on or before May 29, 2015 and a resident of the Lower Mainland.

3. People who don't have a permanent address can still vote.

People who don't have a permanent address can use the address of the shelter where they're staying to register to vote.

4. There's somewhere to go for help.

Elections B.C. will also be setting up nine plebiscite service offices throughout Metro Vancouver, which willopen on April 13.

At the plebiscite service offices, voters will be able to register to vote, can be issued a voting package and will also be able to drop off their completed packages.

5. Don't miss the deadline.

The last day a voter can receive a voting package is May 15, so if you don't get one in the mail, make sure you ask for one before then.

Ballots have to be returned by mail by May 29.

To hear more from Don Main with Elections B.C., click the audio labelled: How to vote in the transit referendum.