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Election 2014: Early voter turnout double from that from last election

During the three days of advance voting that took place last week in Maple Ridge, 1,492 people cast their ballot.

People are either more interested in this election, or they could be angrier and just want to vote or maybe it’s just that it’s easier this time around to vote early.

Whatever the reason, double the number have voted in advance polls in Maple Ridge for this election, compared to the 2011 election.

Electoral officer Ceri Marlo said during the three days of advance voting that took place last week, 1,492 people cast their ballot.

That compares to 624 in advance polls in 2011.

“I think it’s too early to say what that means,” said Marlo.

It could mean that more people just want to have the convenience of voting ahead of the main voting day on Nov. 15.

Or it also could serve as an early indicator of a voter turnout that’s higher than the overall 25 per cent from last election.

“That’s great, good news,” said Mayor Ernie Daykin.

He also hoped the trend would continue on Saturday, Nov. 15, election day.

This election, as part of its efforts to increase voter turnout, advance polls were open three days instead of two. Advance polls also were provided at Ridge Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, Fraserview Village, Planet Ice, Maple Ridge Alliance Church and the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre, as well as city hall.

In the 2011 election, only 12,809 people voted out of a possible 51,089.