Jack Danylchuk
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 16/06) - All of the bits and pieces of the election machinery will be in place across the Western Arctic this week, said Liz Wyman, returning officer for the Jan. 23 vote.

Voters can cast ballots in advance polls today in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, Rae, Fort Simpson, Hay River and Fort Smith from noon to 8 p.m.

They can still vote by special ballot in Norman Wells and Yellowknife until Tuesday.

Special ballots allow voters from anywhere in the Western Arctic to fill in an application and vote.

Elections Canada has recruited a small army of workers to operate the polls and count the ballots, but is still looking for help. Those interested can call 1-866-564-6481.

"It will be an interesting experience," she promised.

The 80 polls in the Western Arctic open at 7.30 a.m. on election day and close at 7.30 p.m.