By Vanessa Ybarra

Free transit hoped to boost votes on byelection day

Sep 10, 2017 | 1:12 PM

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops is hoping free bus services will get more people to the voting booth.

Council recently voted in favour of offering free transit and HandyDart services to registered users on byelection day September 30th.

The free rides were offered during the last municipal election in 2014.

Councilor Denis Walsh says byelection turnout is generally half of full election turnout numbers, adding the move could begin to change that.

“It’s important to do what we can to try and increase the voter turnout,” said Walsh. “This takes away some of the obstacles in some peoples’ way in getting to the polling stations so we felt we should make it free.”

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Byelection turnout is expected to be around 15 to 20 percent. 

Walsh says he’s hopeful now that campaign signs are out and advertising has ramped up people will begin to be more engaged.

Two council seats and the mayor’s spot are up for grabs.