A 47 per cent increase in voter turnout at advanced polls in Richmond is a positive sign, but may not necessarily translate into an increased turnout on election day, according to Ted Townsend, spokesman for the City of Richmond.
A record 6,558 advance ballots were cast ahead of Saturday’s municipal election, compared to just 4,448 advance ballots in 2011.
The practice of voting ahead of election day has become more common over the past 12 years, according to Townsend. For instance, in 2002 just 1,087 people cast advance ballots. Three factors may explain the increase: Not having to declare why you are voting in advance, more eligible voters and increased voting opportunities.
Townsend says this year’s record advance voter turnout doesn’t necessarily mean anything.
“In the past, the increases in advance voting have not necessarily translated into increased overall turnout.” In 2011 “we saw a significant uptick in advance voting from the previous election, but overall turnout in the end was static,” said Townsend via email.
Voter turnout in 2008 was 22.1 per cent and in 2011 it was 23.7 per cent. This year, voters will choose eight councillors from a record list of 31 candidates. There is a record number of slates, as well, with three new ones on the ballot and six overall.
Voters will also choose a mayor. Their options are incumbent Malcolm Brodie, Richard Lee and Cliff Wei. As for the Richmond Board of Education, voters will choose seven of 18 candidates.
To vote on Saturday, Richmond residents must hand an election worker their voter card or identification.
While the Richmond News has heard a few concerns about not being asked for I.D., the city’s chief election officer, David Weber, noted there have not been any cases of voter fraud or even attempts of voter fraud in his time at the position (since 2005).
“Out of the 31,000 plus people who voted in 2011, not one person was caught trying to vote twice. Not one person even attempted it,” said Weber, who also noted he has heard “speculation” and “urban myths” concerning the system.
Weber said to commit electoral fraud, one must also commit mail fraud, impersonation, and making false or misleading statements when making a solemn declaration.
Weber said if you are not registered, you may do so at the poll by presenting two pieces of ID which, together, provide name, residential address and a signature. To check your registration and poll stations, go to richmond.cvva/electionservices.
This election, you must vote at your designated poll station, unlike in 2011 where a resident could vote anywhere.
This year, Richmond City Council voted that service out for this election to save $93,000.
Correction:
In its Nov. 7 edition the Richmond News erroneously indicated council candidate Sal Bhullar and mayoral candidate Cliff Wei favoured raising taxes one per cent each year to fund reserves. In fact, they take the opposite stance.
