Election rules keep Gagetown senior from voting from hospital bed

At 84, Victor Stewart of Gagetown has always made sure to vote, but this timehe can't.

Stewart had a stroke on Friday, and wound up in the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton.

Although he's dressed and sitting up, he isn't up for the 45-minute drive each way to vote in hisvillage.

His family says he's disappointed, especially since there's a polling station right across the street from the hospital.

The fact that he cannot vote today, that there's nothing in place, is absolutely ridiculous.- Carolyn White, daughter

"He's 84, and he's never missed an election," said his daughter, Carolyn White.

"This is going to be the first one he does, and he's pretty annoyed about it," she said.

"And so are we. I absolutely can't believe this."

Even though a polling station is two minutes away from his hospital bed, at nearby EcoleSte. Anne, Stewart can't have his ballot moved there.

Elections Canada rules state you have to vote in your own electoral voting area, and Gagetownis in a riding adjacent toFredericton's riding.

Certificates of transfer are only issued within an electoral district, and only for poll workers or candidates who can't get to their own district to vote.

Stewart also missed the special ballot voting, which was done at the hospital last week. Itofficially closed the day after advance polls.

David Desjardins, returning officer with Elections Canada in Fredericton, told CBC News there is nothing that can be done.

"The fact that he cannot vote today, that there's nothing in place, is absolutely ridiculous," said White.

"And if this is a law with Elections Canada, then this has to change. Ifthis is government policy that has set this, it's got to change."

There's no way that can happen fast enough for Victor Stewart.