In the wake of a chaotic federal election night in Richmond, it has transpired that victorious incumbent Tory MP Alice Wong actually won a shade more comfortably than the prelimenary result.
By the time the last poll was counted on Monday night in her Richmond Centre riding at around 11 p.m., Wong – who was elected for a third term – 17,693 people, or 43.5 per cent of those who voted and 463 more than closest rival Lawrence Woo, decided she deserved another four years in Ottawa.
By Wednesday morning, however, after the Elections Canada validation process, the final winning margin had been stretched to 1,136 votes in her favour. The final result was: Vincent Chiu (Greens): 1,152 (2.9%); Jack Trovato (NDP) 4,602 (11.5%); Alice Wong (Conservative) 17,622 (44.2%); Lawrence Woo (Liberal) 16,486 (41.4%).
Total number of valid votes: 39,862; rejected ballots: 227; total number of votes: 40,089.
The new Richmond Centre riding saw an overall voter turnout of 58.9 per cent, not including those who registered on Election Day. In 2011 the turnout in the Richmond riding was 51.0 per cent.
Pre-marked ballots?
With claims posted election night on social media of pre-marked ballots in favour of Wong showing up at polling stations in the Richmond Centre riding, Liberal candidate Woo said he is looking into the matter.
“At this point, I am only asking for more information,” Woo said.
Calls to Elections Canada on the matter were not returned by the News’ deadline.
