Advanced poll results on the Sunshine Coast are showing signs that citizens are ready and willing to head to the polls and make their mark. Several hotly contested races are taking place in Sechelt and Gibsons as residents vocally express their opinions regarding recent council decisions over such issues as the Gospel Rock proposed development plans and the Target Marine Hatcheries processing plant. Jim Gordon from the Town of Gibsons reported that over the two days of advanced polling, 198 people cast their votes. "It's been straightforward with no hitches," he said.
In Sechelt, chief electoral officer Jo-Anne Frank said 363 people had already voted.
"It was a steady and good turnout," she said.
At the Sunshine Coast Regional District, Angie Legault said 241 voters made their decisions in the regional district between Gibsons and Madeira Park, while another 35 Island Trust folks voted at the advanced poll in West Vancouver.
Historically, voter turnout for municipal elections is dismal, said Blair Lekstrom, provincial minister for community development.
In an interview with Richard Watts, Victoria Times Colonist, Lekstrom said on average, civic elections see only about a third of registered voters casting ballots. "We've become very complacent in the sense we take things for granted," he said.
Election day and voting for the remainder of Coast residents is Saturday, Nov. 15. See today's Coast Reporter for information on eligibility and general voting information.
