HALIFAX – With only days to go until the election, things were kicking into high gear at Elections Canada offices around the province.
Those working the polls spent the day getting everything they needed for Monday.
“People have already been hired, you know, are ready, and getting ready and getting the material ready. We are still training a few workers who have been hired,” said Françoise Enguehard with Elections Canada.
This is Ted Dorion’s first election as a returning officer. He’s not sure what to expect, but anticipates a large turnout.
“I’m expecting to be very busy with a lot of people wanting to come out and vote,” Doiron told Global News on Friday.
If advance polls were any indication, the interest in this election will be high. There were long lineups at some of the province’s polling stations over the Thanksgiving weekend.
READ MORE: Voters face long lines, wait times at advance polling stations across Canada
“It wasn’t so bad, I waited about an hour, they had everything set up really well. It was my first time really voting for anything so that was really cool,” said Leah Wilson, a first time voter who used the advanced polls.
In total, more than 100,000 Nova Scotians cast their ballot during advance polling, and Elections Canada reported a 71 per cent increase in turnout over the 2011 advanced polls.
Elections Canada says things will be smoother on Election Day.
“It should go quicker, that’s the plan. There are 13 times more polling stations than there were from advance polls,” said Enguehard.
With record breaking advance polling numbers, it’s anticipated Election Day will be busy. Many Nova Scotians say they will come out and have their say, even if it takes a little longer.
“I didn’t do the advance polls really early on so I’m just gonna wait however long. I have the day off, so I’m gonna bring a book,” said Kenzie Gunn, who plans to vote Election Day.
“It would be regrettable to pass on this opportunity to exercise your democratic right because you had to wait a little,” added Enguehard.
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