It's provincial election day in Saskatchewan, with four candidates running to be Swift Current's Member of the Legislative Assembly.
Incumbent Saskatchewan Party MLA Everett Hindley was first elected in 2018. He is running against Saskatchewan NDP candidate Jay Kimball, Buffalo Party candidate Constance Maffenbeir and George Watson of the Green Party.
"I just encourage people to get out and cast that ballot," said Hindley. "In doing so having had a look at the platforms of the various parties and candidates running in the Swift Current constituency. As the candidate here for the Sask Party in Swift Current running again to make sure we have a strong and growing and vibrant economy in this province, and here in Swift Current.
"As I've been going door-to-door I've been hearing quite a bit from people who are thankful and grateful for the direction that has been taken by the Sask Party as the government over the past number of years we've been fortunate to serve as the government, and what the positive impacts of that are. It allows us to continue to make significant investments into places like education like healthcare."
The Saskatchewan Party has held the Swift Current riding since the 1999 election of Brad Wall. Kimball knew it would be an uphill battle.
"I went into this race eyes wide open knowing that this is a Sask Party town," Kimball said. "I also know that this is not the Sask Party that everybody was promised when it was formed. The last years under Scott Moe has proven that to a lot of people,
"We are seeing people coming up in record droves cutting up their Sask Party membership cards and saying no more, we want change. It's healthy for governments to change. They're ready for it. Who knows what's going to happen. Our results are looking good and there are so many people who want the change."
Buffalo Party candidate Constance Maffenbeir has been focused on budget issues during the final days of the campaign.
"One of the things I've seen that nobody seems to be wanting to talk about is the debt that Saskatchewan currently has," Maffenbeir said. "Your share is $16,060 that you owe for the debt. We're paying $640 million in interest. That's $552 per person every year. I'm surprised nobody is talking about this.
"We have to look after the future for our children and our grandchildren. That's one thing the Buffalo Party is advocating for is fiscal responsibility. It's management. If you can't manage their business better than what they're currently doing right now, we're in trouble."
Kimball has enjoyed the opportunity to dialogue with and get to know a lot of people in Swift Current throughout the campaign.
"Thanks for listening," he said. "Thanks for all the great conversations we've had over the last few months. I really appreciate the honesty and transparency everyone is bringing with their concerns about how things have been over the last few years. It just feels really good. I know it's time for chance and I hope we can bring it for all the people who want it so badly."
With the possibility of a closer election in Saskatchewan this year, there is even extra emphasis on making sure each citizen casts their ballot.
"Every election is a little bit different," Hindley said. "We want to make sure people do feel engaged and feel a reason to be a part of the process and feel their vote does actually matter. That plays a role in the shaping of the policies that not only impact your province, but also your local communities. From what I've seen and felt and heard from people is that they are paying attention to the issues. They are researching and taking a look at the various options being presented by the parties. I think that's encouraging."
Hindley will watch to see if he will win his third consecutive election at his campaign headquarters in the Swift Current Mall, while Kimball is hosting an election watch party at the Lyric Theatre from 8pm to midnight.
Voting goes from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, and you can click here to find your voting location. For Swift Current voters there are five potential locations.
They include the Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current Mall (Safeway Entrance), InnovationPlex, St. Olaf's Lutheran Church and Alpine Church of God.
Stay with Swift Current Online and our four Southwest Saskatchewan radio station for updates throughout the day and election results tonight.
You can also review our conversations with candidates and election coverage on our provincial election page.