Town officials reported a strong turnout for the first day of advance voting in the Qualicum Beach byelection on May 5.
Heather Svensen, chief election officer, said 647 people cast a ballot and around 850 more registered to vote by mail, an option offered because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Qualicum Beach residents historically show great community pride through high voter turnouts for local elections,” said Svensen.
Polls were open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, which will also host a second advance voting day on May 12 and general voting day on May 15. The town said late afternoon and evening tend to be less busy voting times.
Eligible electors not on the list of registered electors can register at the civic centre before voting, after providing identification.
The civic centre is wheelchair accessible and residents who have difficulty getting in or out of their vehicle can call the chief election officer at (250) 927-5010 and an official will bring a ballot to the curb and deposit it into the vote counting unit once completed.
Mail ballots can be requested until May 13 at 4 p.m. and are available for pick up until May 14 at 1 p.m., according to the town. Voters are responsible to ensure their completed ballot is delivered to the chief election officer by 8 p.m. on May 15.
