By Darren Rathwell

Long lines match long ballots at Medicine Hat’s latest advance poll

Oct 13, 2021 | 5:14 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The list of names on the ballot is long, as was the lineup at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Grandstand building for the latest municipal election advance poll.

A steady stream of voters came out to cast their votes Wednesday, many of them seniors.

But despite dozens of candidates running for Medicine Hat City Council, and a pair of referendum questions up for voting, many people say they weren’t bothered by the long ballots and it was a smooth experience at the polling station.

“It’s busy but it’s going well.. had my mind made up (on who to vote for) before I got here,” one voter told CHAT News.

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Others didn’t mind the wait in line, which was moving rapidly at the Grandstand building shortly after the advance poll opened at 2 p.m.

“Oh, it’s good to see a good turnout. These votes are important and I came by yesterday and was gonna vote (but) no way. It was worse (for waiting) than this so,” another man said.

Another woman offered a theory on today’s active turnout.

“I think (today’s voters) think it’s going to be worse on Monday with people voting, so I think they’re trying to get it done. And, y’know seniors… they like to get out there and do everything early,” she laughed.

Meanwhile, Hatters also have the option of voting on a pair of referendums, including a question on the removal of equalization payments from the constitution, and whether Alberta should adopt year-round Daylight Saving Time.

One voter told CHAT News the referendum votes are “absolutely great because we should have a choice in that because it does affect how people do their business, how they live their lives. It does affect lifestyles and how people can go to work or what time they go to work etc., etc.”

And another man said his voting experience came easily, mostly.

“Kinda knew who I was going to vote for going in but had to be careful filling in that circle (when marking names). But you got a fancy pen to go with it so,” he laughed.

Advance polls are open daily until Friday from 2-8 p.m. at the Hockey Hounds Recreation Centre and the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Grandstand, and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about other advance polls this week go to medicinehat.ca.