paVOTES workers guide motorists through the drive-thru voting process. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Glenn Hicks

civic election

Drive-thru voting tally already exceeds 2016 numbers

Nov 2, 2020 | 8:00 AM

It can require plenty of patience from motorists, but the decision by Prince Albert election officials to make advance voting a drive-thru experience appears to have been an astute one.

Over the first three days put aside for the process, 1,600 people have already cast a ballot. That is more than for the whole of advance voting in 2016 when 1,427 votes were recorded. Day four goes today, with two other opportunities on Wednesday and Thursday.

Based on the number of vehicles rolling by officials on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, it seems the drive-thru only move has proven popular in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing cases being tied to Prince Albert and other areas. The special voting station at the PAEX eliminates the need for any other polling places ahead of election day in a week from now. There will be several polling stations open on Monday, Nov.9.

“Friday, the lines were long to approximately one and a half hour waits,” returning officer with paVOTES Sherry Person told paNOW in an email. “But [we had] lots of positive comments saying they appreciated the opportunity to vote in this way.”

She said wait times Saturday were around the 20 to 30-minute mark when a total of 654 votes were cast. On Wednesday 498 votes were cast and on Friday 448 people made their mark.

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Person added they had signage and Commissionaires at the beginning of the line to ensure everyone knew the wait times, as well as being informed about the remaining dates polls will be open in the coming week.

“I have heard so many compliments regarding the election officials working at the advance poll and I am so proud of the professional and friendly service that they are providing to the voters of the City, “ Person said.

The three remaining days of drive-thru advance voting run as follows:

Monday, November 2, 2020 – 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (4 hours)

Wednesday, November 4, 2020 – 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (4 hours)

Thursday, November 5, 2020 – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (6 hours)

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glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow