The Municipality of Chatham-Kent says the early numbers show the advance poll voting turnout this week is on pace to surpass last election's advance poll voting.
Director of Municipal Governance Judy Smith told CK News Today that 2,000 voters cast their paper ballot at advance polls four years ago and as of Friday 1,800 voters have cast their vote at the six location across the municipality with Saturday left in advance voting. Smith predicts the 2022 advance poll numbers will exceed those from the 2018 civic election by the end of the day on Friday.
The online voting however, isn't going as well. Smith said only 5,500 votes have been cast so far, which is well below the nearly 10,000 internet votes cast in the 2018 municipal election.
"Not as good. It could just be a busy weekend. People are still waiting to decide who they want to vote for," said Smith.
Internet voting closes on Sunday at 10 p.m.
Smith voting wait times at the Bradley Centre on Thursday were around 25 minutes, but that polling station was slower on Friday with shorter wait times.
Advance polling is available at the following locations:
- Tilbury & District Memorial Arena, 49 Bond Avenue
- Blenheim St. Mary's Hall, 94 George Street
- Ridgetown Youth Centre, 26 Ebenezer Street West
- Ken Houston Memorial Arena, 1212 North Street in Dresden
- First Baptist Church, 99 Thomas Avenue in Wallaceburg
- John Bradley Centre, 565 Richmond Street in Chatham
New to this election is the Vote Van and it will be at the following Chatham locations on Saturday:
- Real Canadian Superstore Parking Lot from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Cultural Centre Parking Lot between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
The new term of Council begins November 15, 2022.
