The Mayor of Kamloops says B.C.’s Chief Electoral Officer reached out to the city a few weeks ago asking if there were facilities that could be used as polling stations for the upcoming provincial election.

Ken Christian tells NL News the city will be working with Elections BC and public health officials to ensure that people can vote safely on October 24.

“I would predict that first of all you’ll see a lot of mail-in ballots. And secondly, you’ll see a lot of advanced polling, and thirdly, you’ll see more election spaces made available on election day,” he said. “I suspect the combination of those three will allow the electorate to be heard.”

As for exactly how many polling stations could be available on Election Day, Christian says that decision is up to the Returning Officer. He adds he is confident the measures in place will mean polling stations will be safe for Kamloopsians as they go to vote during a pandemic.

“We will be working in accordance with the WorkSafeBC requirements for people entering our buildings whether its to vote or use exercise equipment,” Christian said “They are going to be safe and free from the risk of communicable disease and infection.”

Provincial Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry has previously said that British Columbia is prepared for an election whenever it comes up adding that she thinks elections can happen safely.