There were 348 votes cast in the first advance poll for the City of Powell River byelection on Wednesday, March 27.
“For a byelection, that is quite high,” said chief election officer Chris Jackson in a City of Powell River media release. “If turnout remains the same as Wednesday, that could result in about a 30 per cent voter turnout, which is very high for a byelection that does not include a referendum question.”
By comparison, for the general election in October 2018, 485 ballots were cast on the first advance voting day, with the final voter turnout for the entire election coming in at 45.4 per cent.
More people are choosing to vote at advance voting opportunities rather than waiting for general voting day, said Jackson.
The second and final opportunity to cast a ballot in advance of general voting day takes place from 8 am to 8 pm on Wednesday, April 3.
The polling station is at the rear entrance in the lower level of City Hall at 6910 Duncan Street (the old library space). Eligible voters must have two pieces of identification, including one with the voter's signature.
The deadline for voters to have a mail-in ballot sent to them is Friday, March 29; for pickup at city hall the deadline is Friday, April 5.
Anyone with a mail-in ballot must ensure the chief election officer has it in-hand by 8 pm on Saturday, April 6. There is a mail slot near the front door at city hall.
General voting day is on Saturday, April 6. There are several locations available. Go to powellriver.ca for more information.
Three candidates are on the ballot for the sixth and final seat on city council: George Doubt, Allan Drummond and Alan Rebane.
