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NUNAVUT - Eligible voters can still cast ballots in the upcoming federal election without photo ID, despite recent changes to the Elections Act.

"We know that in Northern communities in particular, IDs can be a challenge," said John McKay, Elections Canada spokesperson.

He said citizens can bring two original pieces of general identification to the polls, regardless of whether they contain a photo, and still be eligible to vote. This could include a health card and a utility bill, he said, so long as both IDs contain the person's name and at least one displays his or her address.

As well, a resident can bring along a person who can swear a statement confirming the person is who they say they are.

However, each voter can only swear in one other person.

On Sept. 12, Tagak Curley, MLA for Rankin Inlet North, said in the legislative assembly elders in his community were concerned they may not be able to vote in the upcoming election because they lacked photo ID.

Curley said he has heard Elections Canada will show some leniency in the North, however, people in the communities still may not know that.

"When an elder tells me that they are not optimistic about voting because of all the requirements, I'm sure he's not alone," he said. "More information needs to be provided to the communities, particularly to those unilingual (Inuktitut)," and illiterate individuals.

"The majority of our voters are not computer literate either. My concern is that all governments should try to make sure that all eligible voters are able to take part in the election and not be concerned about the photo ID requirement."

McKay has heard concerns that echo those raised by Curley.

"There is an understanding that this could be a challenge in some areas," he said.

"The Chief Electoral Officer has given direction to polling officials to try as much as possible to work with electors."

For instance, said McKay, if pollers are getting information from voters' identification cards consistent with their lists, then they would be allowed to vote.

The new legislation was instituted in response to voters in Quebec who hid their faces during a byelection and made visual identification an issue.

McKay said Elections Canada is trying to get this information out to voters so they know what they need to have with them when they go to the polls.

Voter information cards were being sent out last week to all Canadians who are on the preliminary voters' list.

McKay said a reminder card will be sent out Sept. 24 to every Nunavut household telling residents to call Elections Canada if they have yet to receive their voter information card.

"The household and reminder cards North of 60 are going out in Inuktitut," said McKay.

He said information is available on the Elections Canada website as well.

As of last Wednesday, the Elections Canada office in Iqaluit had yet to receive the materials.

Nothing has changed with regard to voting regulations for the territorial election Oct. 27.

A spokesperson for Elections Nunavut said as long as a person's name is on the voters' list, they can vote.

If their name does not appear on the list, they can be sworn in and made eligible to vote if they can prove they have been a resident of Nunavut for at least a year.