The Prince Albert Exhibition was an active place with many people looking to cast their ballots early. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Getting Out the Vote Early

Early voting underway in P.A.

Oct 11, 2019 | 4:03 PM

Voters are making their way to the polls in Prince Albert.

For the next three days people looking to cast their votes will be able to do so at a few locations around the city, including Midtown Hall, Prince Albert Exhibition, South Hill Mall and Carlton Park.

At Midtown Hall, Audrey Wiens said she and her husband were voting early due to them having a prior commitment on election day.

“Because I’ve got an appointment in Saskatoon on the 21^st of the main voting, that’s why we’re doing it now,” she said.

Looking back on the election campaign, Wiens said she was not impressed with the television debates and how the leaders conducted themselves. She added they should have acted more serious about trying to communicate their positions.

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“They we’re bickering too much,” she said.

Meanwhile Evelyn Hagley, who was also voting at Midtown Hall said she was taking advantage of early voting due to her commitments on the day of the election.

“I have to work at the other poll on the 21^st, so I have to be there early in the morning, so I can’t be two places at once, so I am here first,” she said.

In regards to the election campaign. Hagley didn’t have a strong opinion on how the campaign has played out so far. She said she had some concerns about seniors’ issues and felt the parties spoke to her concerns.

At the Prince Albert Exhibition, there was a fairly steady stream of people making their way into the building. One of the people making their way into the polling station was Daryl Minter.

“I am going to be out of province next week, so this was my opportunity to vote so I want to take advantage of that, it’s a right that I want to take advantage of and get my say in,” he said.

Heather Marchant said she wanted to take the chance to vote early as it is more convenient for her given where she lives.

“I live out in the rural country and sometimes you know it’s snowing it’s blizzarding, which has happened day before, so I like to get it over and done with, I am in town for the day, it’s on my list to do,” she said.

Marchant said she had a number of issues that were on the top of her mind during the campaign. These included tax cuts, health care and drugs. She said she felt her party properly addressed these concerns.

Barry Hollick, returning officer for the riding of Prince Albert said he noticed line ups at polling stations before they opened at nine this morning. One of the busier locations was at the exhibition grounds where residents from the rural area around the city are casting their ballots.

From what he had seen so far Hollick said everything appeared to be working out well.

“Workers are getting to each voter as quickly as they can and everybody seems to be going away happy that they had voted,” he said.

Hollick added he expects to see things really start picking up at around four in the afternoon.

The advance polls will be open from nine in the morning until nine in the evening.

With files from Glenn Hicks.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn