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Extra day boosts advanced poll turnout

After three days of advanced polling, turnout was expected to outpace last election’s benefiting from an extra day in the 2015 campaign.In the 2012 Alberta election, there was a total of three days of advanced polling. This election there are four days available for voters to cast their ballots ahead of the May 5 voting day.

After three days of advanced polling, turnout was expected to outpace last election’s benefiting from an extra day in the 2015 campaign.

In the 2012 Alberta election, there was a total of three days of advanced polling. This election there are four days available for voters to cast their ballots ahead of the May 5 voting day.

In Red Deer-South, turnout was anticipated to surpass 2012’s numbers. The first three days of advanced polls were comparable to the three days of 2012 and with the fourth day it is expected that the number of advanced votes cast will surpass last year.

In 2012, Red Deer-South had a total of 1,598 advanced poll voters. For the first three days of the 2015 election they had 1,426. There are a total of 34,361 eligible electors in Red Deer-South

“They’re happy to be voting and exercising their right to democracy,” said Jim Taylor, Returning officer.

For Red Deer-North, returning officer Brenda Williams noted it had bee a good turnout with a steady pace so far.

She said over the three days during the 2012 election they had 1,256 people cast ballots early. In the first three days of advanced polls this time around is 1,317.

Without Saturday numbers, that will far surpass 2012’s advanced poll turnout.

Red Deer-North has 31,988 eligible electors this time around.

Out in Lacombe-Ponoka, returning officer Margaret Devries said they have had more than 1,700 people show up to advanced vote at the two locations in the rural riding over the first three days.

She said that was about equal to all three days from last election and with the fourth day, and it being a busier Saturday, she said this election’s advanced poll turnout should far surpass last election’s.

Lacombe-Ponoka has about 26,905 eligible electors.

Taylor encouraged voters to bring the Election Alberta card they received in the mail to the polling station on election day.

He said the card contains important information that expedites the voting process including polling station number.

It also tells voters which polling station they should go to. However, it is not required to vote. For a list of what is required to vote visit www.elections.ab.ca.

Voting on election day, Tuesday, starts at 9 a.m. and goes until 8 p.m. For more information on where to vote visit the website or call 1-877-422-8683.

mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com