Soon, Saskatoon residents will know which of the five candidates will take the reins as mayor and who will join the new mayor at city hall for the next term.

Friday was the first day of advance voting for the Saskatoon municipal election. Ten locations across the city opened their doors to voters, regardless of where they live, to mark their ballots before the deadline.

Voters will choose a mayor, city councilors and public and separate school board administrators for the next four years.

Advance polling stations will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Friday to Monday.

November 5 and 6 are advance voting dates for post-secondary students at the University of Saskatchewan. On November 7, Saskatchewan Polytechnic students will be able to vote in advance.

On November 5, 6 and 7, special ballots will take place in retirement homes and long-term care facilities. Times vary depending on the specific location.

On the official election day, November 13, polling stations will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

New this year in the city: two “super polling stations” open to voters from any neighborhood, located at Market Mall and City Hall. These locations will have Automark voter assistance terminals available on early voting and election days.

Two city councilors are running unopposed in Wards 9 and 10. Wards 1, 4 and 5 feature candidates running against competition. All other neighborhoods will see new faces running for city council. In total, 45 candidates are running for the 11 positions available in the city.

Elections Saskatoon is moving to a registered voters list for municipal elections. Voters can check the status of their elections, register or update their voter information online before Election Day.

For more information on the elections, including a complete list of candidates for city hall and school board trustees, visit the City of Saskatoon website.