The convenience of voting online in this year's municipal election seems to be popular among Chatham-Kent residents.
Votes cast online are up compared to the 2014 municipal election. Online voting closed Monday night at 10 p.m. Figures released from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent show that 9,787 votes were cast online this year, compared to the 7,330 votes cast in 2014.
The advanced polls, which were open from October 11 - October 13 also saw an increase in votes. The advanced polls saw 2,290 votes cast, compared to 2,059 in 2014.
Between the two methods of voting, the total votes cast so far is 12,077, which is more than 2014's combined total of 9,389. However, there is still time to vote in the 2018 municipal election. Polls will open on election day, October 22, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“I believe increased publicity regarding online voting and more voter familiarity with the process were certainly factors in the increase,” said Judy Smith, chief returning officer and Chatham-Kent director of municipal governance. “We’re very happy with the turnout so far.”
The 2014 election saw a total of 32,789 votes cast, which is 42.1 per cent of eligible votes. That number was up compared to the 2010 election which saw a total of 32,398 votes cast, which is 39.9 per cent of eligible votes.
In previous election years, advanced poll totals saw 3,007 votes cast in 2010 and 3,948 in 2006.
Eligible voters should have already received their VIN cards in the mail. Those who have not or those who are looking for additional information on how to vote are encouraged to visit the municipality's website or a municipal service centre.
Blackburn News will be hosting a Meet Chatham-Kent's Mayoral Candidates Evening, which will air on Country 92.9 FM / 630 AM at 7 p.m. on October 17. To help you get to know the people running for Chatham-Kent council, the following link contains a list of candidates with links to their information.