With over 12,000 people casting ballots during advance voting, the Estevan area is seeing a record-setting turnout ahead of Monday’s general election.
Gwen Van De Woestyne, the assistant returning officer for the Estevan area, said the strong participation has been encouraging to witness.
“The engagement that people have in this election has been really nice to see,” Van De Woestyne said. “We had lots of traffic. People were happy to vote.”
Some voters went to great lengths to ensure their ballots were counted, with mail-in ballots being returned from places as far away as New Brunswick, Calgary, and Ontario.
Although advance voting has now closed, preparations are ongoing ahead of the April 28 vote. The Elections Saskatchewan office is now focused on updating the list of electors to prevent any duplication.
In the Estevan area alone, more than 90 election workers are needed to help run the vote. Van De Woestyne said the office is still seeking people willing to work on election day and take part in the required three-hour training session. Anyone interested is encouraged to call 1-833-802-7352 and ask for Jeanine.
Voters in Estevan will have three polling locations:
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Affinity Place, covering divisions 130 through 135
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Church of God, for voters in divisions 137 through 144
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Wylie Mitchell Centre, with polling divisions 146 through 154
Surrounding communities like Frobisher and Bienfait have their own polling stations, and voter information cards will indicate where individuals should vote.
Van De Woestyne reminds voters that polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on election day. Anyone in line at 7:30 p.m. will still be allowed to vote, but no one will be admitted after that time.
“Get out and vote,” she urged. “That’s your opportunity.”