What's new for voters hitting Calgary's advanced polling stations

The advance polls for Calgary's municipal election opened Monday morning, and those who choose to vote early might noticea few differences from previous years.

For one thing, COVID-19 safety protocols are being followed. That means capacity limits and distancing are being enforced, and masks or face shields arerequired, city clerk Kate Martin says.

Masks, face shields and hand sanitizer areavailable at each voting station, as well.

"We willbe encouraging voters to bring their own pencil or ballpoint pen to the voting stations," Martin said.

Hourshave been extended this year for the advance vote, which will run Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There are alsomore polling stationsacross the city.

Theyinclude special "vote anywhere" polls at City Hallthis week until Friday,from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and at the University of Calgary and Bow Valley College, Monday and Tuesday of this week, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mount Royal University and SAIT will have early voting stations of their ownthis Wednesday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

As for what seems to be top-of-mind for voters so far, several leaving the advancevote at the Crescent Heights Community Centre onMonday cited an old debate that'snew again: the plebiscite on water fluoridation.

"I think the fluoride in the water issue was very important to me, because it's about public health," said Jacob Delde.

Meanwhile, the slew of fresh faces set to arrive on city council motivated others.

"Not having incumbents in my ward, or with the mayor, I thought it was really important this year, especially, to be able to vote for someone I thought would represent Calgary well," said Aaron Petrowitsch.

General election day is Oct. 18. Polls will open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.