Voters in the Battlefords continued a high turnout at advance polling stations Thursday. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

early votes in

Strong turnout as advance polls close the Battlefords

Nov 6, 2020 | 3:44 PM

Ahead of Monday civic election, residents in the Battlefords are continuing to increase turnout at polling stations.

Both municipalities saw drastic increases in volume at advance polls from 2016. The Town of Battleford accrued 312 ballots from its lone advance poll, nearly double the total from last time around. Ash Alam, the town’s electoral officer, said there are multiple factors to account for the increased numbers.

“I think the upcoming bad weather has something to do with it,” he said. “And COVID-19 concerns is another reason people seemed to like the advance poll voting.”

With the potential of more than 1,100 votes and more coming in by the end of the election when totals are gathered, Alam said they still expect fair turnout on Monday.

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“We are expecting another 600 at least, even if the weather is bad,” he said.

In preparation for election day, Alam said they are taking a number of precautions, including clearing parking lot snow, spraying and cleaning booths and pens throughout the day, and even giving the possibility of hand gloves.

“We also have disposable pens from the provincial election,” he said. “As well as shields and separation markers.”

The City of North Battleford also had strong turnout. Nearly 500 ballots were cast in the final advance poll Thursday, which brings the total after three dates to 1,126 votes. Earlier this week, returning electoral officer Debbie Wohlberg said they were very pleased with how the process had gone and how many voters participated. The enthusiasm for this election is also bolstered by having five candidates in the mayoral race, with incumbent Ryan Bater facing challengers David Gillan, Lois Laing, Misa Nikolic and James Sieben.

The regular polls open at 9 a.m. Monday morning and close at 8 p.m. that evening. North Battleford residents can go to the Civic Centre to vote, while Battleford residents are directed to the Alex Dillabough Centre.

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports