Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Amandalina Letterio

FEDERAL ELECTION

Advance polls see long lineups in Kamloops

Sep 10, 2021 | 5:07 PM

KAMLOOPS — The advance polls opened bright and early Friday morning (Sept. 10) and Kamloops residents were lined up outside — despite predictions by a Thompson Rivers University (TRU) political science professor.

In a previous interview with CFJC News, TRU political science professor Robert Hanlon predicted there would be voter fatigue in Kamloops this year. He believes it comes as a result of stress from the pandemic, an unruly wildfire season, and the trauma of 215 unmarked children’s graves being discovered at the Kamloops Residential School earlier this summer.

However Friday morning, some advanced polls in Kamloops had lineups before opening. CFJC News visited the Oasis Church Cafe polling station on Rogers Way at around 10:00 a.m. and there was a lineup that wrapped around the building.

Residents were eager, enthusiastic and ready to vote.

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“I never miss a vote. I always make sure that my vote counts. So, yes, I always vote, no matter what election it is,” said one Kamloops resident, as he stood with his voter card in hand.

“The right to vote is integral — it’s actually part of our system of life,” said another man.

“You twenty-somethings, get out and vote! You’re important. Your voice needs to be heard. Not just us older people. Get out and vote,” encouraged a woman.

Advanced polls will run Friday (Sept. 10) until Monday (Sept. 13) from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering Canadians the chance to beat the rush, avoid crowds during the pandemic and accommodate any scheduling conflicts they might have with Election Day (Sept. 20).