Advance polls in Saskatchewan had another record for turnout. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

High turnout

Advance polls set new record in Battlefords

Sep 15, 2021 | 3:23 PM

After four days of advance polling for the Federal Election next week, voters in the Battlefords – Lloydminster riding are coming to the polls in increasing numbers.

A total of 10,872 came out to one of the advance polls in the region, compared to 9,086 in the 2019 election. The Desnethé–Missinippi–Churchill River, which includes Meadow Lake and La Ronge, saw a smaller increase of 105 additional voters in advance polls, for a result of 5,154. The provincial total of 182,438 is highest turnout yet for advance polling.

Marie-France Kenny, regional media advisor for Elections Canada, said there was a 30,000 jump in advance poll voters in 2021 for Saskatchewan, a significant pick up and an encouraging sign.

“The only one to record a little less in advance poll turnout was Saskatoon West but the rest is trending up,” she said. “It’s been trending every election year too.”

Historically, advance polls were for people who could not make it to the polls on Election Day, for reasons like mobility issues, travelling, surgeries and other things of that nature. Kenny said allowing the entire public to vote early has helped improve efficiency and is especially important this year given safety concerns around COVID-19.

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“Now we don’t see as much of a rush to the polls on Election Day,” she said. “Usually the first day of advance polls, we have some lineups and we definitely had a couple in Saskatchewan,” she said.

Given there’s still an expectation of a very busy Monday, Kenny said staff members will be disinfecting multiple areas and adequate distancing will be in place.

“It may take a little longer than people expect,” she said. “But they are taking these precautions to make sure people can vote in a safe environment. So, we’re asking everyone to be patient.”

Kenny added that they are still looking for workers on Election Day, paid positions that will require people to work 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Applications are available at elections.ca.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

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