Over 40-thousand eligible voters submitted an early ballot in both PG ridings ahead of this year’s federal election.
According to Elections Canada, the final tally in Cariboo-Prince George was 20,581 while in Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies it was 19,697 – both ridings saw an increase of roughly 35-hundred ballots when compared to 2021.
However, UNBC Political Science Instructor Jason Morris told Vista Radio the early surge in advanced voting isn’t always a good indicator on the traffic we’ll see on election night.
“Over the last few elections, the higher voter turnout early has not led to an increased voter turnout overall. It’s likely some people are thinking I’ll be busy on Monday with a playoff game to watch.”
What was once considered a “change-over” election from the Liberals to the Conservatives, the plot has changed in recent months with Mark Carney taking over the Prime Minister’s chair and the Liberal leadership plus the recent trade war between Canada and the United States, which was launched by American President Donald Trump.
“This time around, we have had events beyond our control such as from the US, which has changed with the focus considerably away from the bread and butter domestic issues like the economy and health care, housing, the environment and Truth and Reconciliation to an even more threat of Canada’s sovereignty.”
“The Liberals and the Conservatives have done well campaigning with the Liberals coming from behind and the Conservatives are polling typically above from last time.”
Morris stated while most people think its a forgone conclusion that local Conservative MP’s Todd Doherty and Bob Zimmer are likely to get the nod again – people should still get off their couch and exercise their right to vote.
“A lot of people in Northern BC might feel that their vote doesn’t matter with the Conservatives being strong but your vote still does matter. You still want to have your say on who you think your representative should be.”
General voting day is on Monday.
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