Advanced polls draw record numbers for civic election
By Kyra Hoggan
One hundred and ninety people cast their ballot early on Nov. 8 or 9, as compared to only 151 early voters during the last municipal election in 2008.
According to Chief Election Officer Carolyn Rempel, Castlegar has 5,929 registered voters, as well as 13 non-resident, property-owner voters.
She said that in the 2008 election, only 1,616 residents made it to the polls – just 27.6 per cent – but there’s a greater buzz for this political race, if advanced polling numbers are any indication.
“Looking back as far as 1996, this is the biggest turn-out for advanced polling we’ve ever seen, but there have been some changes,” she explained. “It’s only since 2008 that advanced voting has been open to everyone, and you don’t have to have a reason to vote early.
“I anticipate that turn-out continuing to grow in the future, as people get used to having the option.”
As for who, exactly, those 190 ballots favoured, though, Rempel wasn’t saying.
“We don’t tally those until the general election.”
The general election will take place on Nov. 19. You can cast your vote at the Complex between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
There will also be special voting opportunities on Nov. 19 at Talarico Place and Castleview Care Centre.
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