More voters take advantage of advance polls

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This article was published 18/04/2016 (3526 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

More Manitobans are voting in advance of election day, and Elections Manitoba says it’s because it’s become more convenient to do so.

About 109,000 persons cast ballots during the eight days of advance voting this year, up from 78,000 over the same number of days in 2011.

Alison Mitchell, manager of communications and public information with Elections Manitoba, said convenience and increased public awareness about advance voting are likely the main reasons for the big hike this year.

The 2007 election was the first in which a voter could cast an advance ballot at any location. This is the third election in which advance voting is so convenient, Mitchell said.

“We think it probably has a lot to do with just the increased awareness that has come over time,” she said.

“We had a mobile app, as well, so if you had the location services turned on your device you could find the location close to you if you were out and about and wanting to vote in advance,” she added.

Meanwhile, on election day Tuesday, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For information on where to vote, voters can check their enumeration record, contact their returning officer or visit the Elections Manitoba website at www.electionsmanitoba.ca.