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Turnout at advanced polls high |
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Over 10,000 of Sherbrooke’s citizens had already fulfilled their civic duty. People flocked to various voting stations throughout the city’s districts on Sunday for the advanced-voting period of the upcoming municipal election. Of the 113,128 people eligible, 9.4 percent, or 10, 643, have now cast their vote.
This is one of the highest percentages in the province and more than double the advanced-voting participation from the last two municipal elections. In 2005, 4.2 percent of Sherbrookois voted early, while in 2001 the number was 4.6 percent.
In the last two elections overall, about 44 percent of those eligible to vote did so. Does this higher advanced-voting turnout mean that the overall number will be higher?
“It could mean that since more people are voting early that less people will vote later,” said Isabelle Sauvé, returning officer for the 2009 Sherbrooke election. “It could also be a sign that there’s more interest in this particular election. We just won’t know that until November 1st. I hope that people will come out to vote.”
Lennoxville (District 3.0) enjoyed the highest percentage of voter turnout with 15.5 percent of those eligible voting early. City personnel at École Saint-Antoine on Church Street reported going through busy periods throughout the day.
Montcalm (District 6.3) enjoyed a high voter turnout as well, with 14.8 percent of voters hitting the polls early.
“This shows an exceptional level of participation from the citizens,” noted Sauvé. “(W)e had to add voting tables at both of these locations to minimize waiting time.”
Perhaps a sign that interest in this election is indeed high, Sauvé confirmed that the city had more than enough people ready to help on Election Day.
“We asked for around 1,000 personnel, and we received some 1,300 to 1,400 responses,” she said.
On November 1, Sherbrooke residents will vote for a new mayor and the representative that falls within their district. In the case of Lennoxville, voters will also be choosing a Borough President. Voting stations throughout the city will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Citizens who would like further information on the 2009 election are encouraged to visit the City of Sherbrooke website at sherbrooke.ca under the tab “Élection 2009”.By Doug McCooeye 2009-10-28 |
Montreal Canadiens
