Hundreds more residents voting in advance polls compared to 2016

Hundreds more voters have taken advantage of advance polls in this year’s municipal election compared to 2016, with many wanting to avoid the long lineups on election day on Nov. 9.

From Oct. 29 to 31, 577 voters cast their ballots at the advance poll at city hall. In comparison, 398 residents voted during the first three days of the advance polls during the municipal election four years ago. In total, 1,224 residents voted during the advance polls in 2016.

The advance polls for 2020 continue through to Thursday, Nov. 5.

“I pretty well do advance polls (to avoid crowds) … ,” resident Nancy Dougherty said while standing in a line outside city hall on Nov. 3, before adding with a laugh, “But it’s pretty busy here today.”

One of the main civic issues on Dougherty’s mind is the development of the river valley, a topic she is against. While she wants to see growth happen in Moose Jaw, she didn’t want it to happen at Wakamow Valley’s expense.

Dougherty would like to see a few incumbent members of city council return for another term, while she would also like to see new faces.

“I think you need representation from as many sectors (as possible) … diversity is good,” she added.

Contrary to Dougherty, voter Lyle didn’t plan to vote for anyone who was on council before. He is taking his daughter’s advice and plans to vote for three new people.

The main election issue that riled up Lyle was the pay raise the mayor will receive on Jan. 1, where that salary will increase to $100,068 from $82,303. This is an increase of $17,765 or more than 21 per cent.

“There’s an old saying, ‘figures never lie and liars never figure,’” remarked Lyle, who wanted the pay of mayor and council to be tied to the cost of living — the same way minimum wage is calculated — at 2.5 per cent each year.
 
Lyle explained that he votes in advance polls all the time since he is an older man, while it’s just more convenient.

“They’re something I think are a good thing,” he added.

Voting in the advance poll was important to Susan Gillies since she wanted to avoid the crowds, especially during the pandemic. She explained that she would like to see the cast iron replacement program be sped up, so it’s completed faster.

Election Day is Monday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Polling stations are at Church of Our Lady on South Hill and the exhibition grounds.