Winnipeg voters set record in advanced polls

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Winnipeggers showed up in record numbers to advanced polls ahead of Wednesday’s municipal election.

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Advanced polls closed Friday and the city says 41,895 people voted in the municipal and school board election, which is a 5.1% increase from the 39,840 voters who took part in 2018. That was the previous record for advanced voting. The 2018 election did have the lowest voter turnout since 2006.

“Every election, our goal is to streamline the process, reduce wait times, and improve service for people casting a ballot,” said the city’s senior election official Marc Lemoine in a news release.

“We’re seeing the results of that initiative based on the record number of voters who took advantage of the convenient opportunities.”

Advanced polls opened on Oct 3 and were located in malls, universities, seniors’ residences, hospitals and others. Lemoine said the city is pleased with the positive feedback they’ve received so far.

“And, of course, we want to encourage all eligible voters who have not yet voted to cast their ballots next week,” he added.

Voter’s notices outlining designated voting locations have been mailed to all registered voters, the city says. People are encouraged to bring their notice with them when they head to their voting location. If someone does not have a voter’s notice, they can visit winnipeg.ca/wheredoivote.

Eligible voters need to bring a valid ID that shows their name and current home address when they head to the polls. An enhanced ID, any two documents that show the voter’s name and current home address will also be accepted.

Election day is Wednesday, Oct. 26. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.