By Darren Rathwell

Social distancing concerns addressed by the city

Early turnout up for municipal election advance polls

Oct 12, 2021 | 5:34 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat city officials say it was a busy weekend at advance polls.

An estimated 800 to 900 people came out to vote Saturday, up from the last election in 2017, when for the entire week there were 1,700 advance voters.

City returning officer Angela Cruickshank says based on the busy turnout, she expects at least 40 per cent of voters to cast ballots on election day next week.

Two polling stations were open Saturday in Medicine Hat, one at the Hockey Hounds Recreation Centre, the other at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Grandstand.

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Cruickshank calls the weekend’s turnout excellent, but admits it made social distancing difficult at the Hockey Hounds centre.

“Hockey Hounds is a slightly smaller station. It was difficult to find a venue in the north (of the city) who could accommodate us, and at the start of the day there was a lot of enthusiasm… people wanting to be in the room and vote. So we ask that people have some patience and just respect each other’s distance,” Cruickshank told CHAT News.

Another advance poll is open until 8 p.m. in Medicine Hat Tuesday, Oct. 12.

Polling stations will continue to be open daily until Saturday.

For more information on locations and times go to medicinehat.ca