By Janet Southcott It came as a surprise to most: across the country, advance polling stations were overwhelmed by the turnout of voters.
Here in Powell River, I estimate over 2,500 voted between Friday, October 9, and Monday, October 12. While many were tucking into a Thanksgiving dinner, others were lining up to mark their ballot. Hundreds more voted by special ballot at the Elections Canada office, or by mail.
Over 250,000 people have been employed to work at polling stations and election offices across the country during this election. At least 12 of us were at Powell River Recreation Complex this past weekend receiving the voters and ensuring all were able to exercise their democratic right.
With all the media information about changes to the election act, almost everyone arrived with enough information to prove their identity. I don’t recall anyone being turned away. Many households received a small brochure detailing the documentation acceptable at polling stations. If not received, information is available online at elections.ca.
Many young children attended with their parents. Many first-time voters cast a ballot. We acknowledged every single voter because voting in a federal election is a right that each Canadian has when of voting age and qualified under the newly-minted Fair Elections Act.
Accommodations were made for people who had accessibility challenges or for those with visual impairments. Volunteers picked up neighbours and friends who needed help getting to the advance-polling station. Almost everyone was jovial about having their say in the fate of our country.
As our fourth day at the polls began, we received a wonderful gift of Thanksgiving sandwiches with cookies and fruit from Powell River Lutheran Church. It helped spur us on as Monday was the busiest day of all.
Hopefully, the number of people voting at advance polls indicates a strong turnout on election day. All told, this federal election is anticipated to cost taxpayers over $375 million, according to national media reports from July.
I encourage everyone to vote on Monday, October 19. Here in Canada it shows an interest in being Canadian. Some nationalities are not so lucky. In many places in the world, voting is conducted under the shroud of fear. In others, if qualified to vote, it is against the law not to cast a ballot. Here, it is a voluntary act.
Let’s all volunteer to have our say in our country’s leadership, make this federal election worth the expense and exercise our democratic right.
Janet Southcott is a Powell River resident currently working for Elections Canada.
