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Voters head to the polls to select next B.C. government

Greater Trail heads to the polls today for the 40th provincial election.
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While students around B.C.


British Columbians head to the polls today for the 40th provincial election.

And in keeping with tradition, will the student vote once again parallel the general vote in our local riding?

On Monday, almost 750 students at J.L. Crowe Secondary cast their ballots in a mock election for the official candidates in their riding as part of Student Vote B.C.

Elementary students in Rossland, Fruitvale, Salmo and Glenmerry also took the opportunity to experience the democratic process firsthand, in an authentic in-school vote.

However, the results will be kept under lock and key until Wednesday to ensure that they do not sway the election.

“The Student Vote results are kept a secret until the general election polls close,”  said Kate Fane, organizer for Student Vote BC.

“Although we do hope that children participation inspires the parents to vote as well.”

Patrick Audet, principal at Glenmerry Elementary, said the school has been part of the program four times, and the results always prove interesting.

“I am curious if the student votes will parallel the actual voting results,” he said.

“I predict that on Wednesday morning the trend of the Glenmerry students will be quite accurate to what actually happens in our Kootenay West riding.”

According to the Elections BC website, advance voting, which began last Wednesday, saw just over 2,000 residents cast their votes in the Kootenay West riding.

That figure reflects around six per cent of the over 31,000 registered voters in the district.

On Monday, the candidates spread out across the riding to campaign and encourage the voting public to cast a ballot today.

“We’re getting ready for E-Day tomorrow,” Katrine Conroy told the Castlegar News.

“We’re going to supporters houses who are helping us with getting out the vote.”

Independent Joseph Hughes drew his campaign to a close in Greater Trail.

BC Liberal candidate Jim Postnikoff, split time between Castlegar and Trail on Monday, although his election day schedule was uncertain, campaign manager, Jesse Postnikoff told the News.

Voting places are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

In Trail, cast a ballot at the Memorial Centre, Trail Middle School or Glenmerry Elementary.

In Rossland, at the Legion, or in the community halls of Genelle, Oasis, Warfield, Montrose and Fruitvale.



Sheri Regnier

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