More than 17,500 people had already voted in Abbotsford’s three ridings before election-day polls officially opened Tuesday morning.
Advance polls were open April 29, 30 and May 3, 4, 5, 6.
Across the province, more than 614,000 people – 19 per cent of registered voters – decided to cast their ballot early over six days of advance polls. In 2013, only 11 per cent of registered voters marked their X early, when there were four days of advance polls.
Abbotsford fell below the provincial average this year: 17 per cent of registered voters cast ballots early in Abbotsford West, compared to 15 per cent in Abbotsford-Mission and 12 per cent in Abbotsford-South – the second-lowest rate in B.C.
Ridings on Vancouver Island saw some of the highest early turnout. Many see this as a good sign for the Green Party, which is trying to breakthrough with new island seats. Saanich North and the Islands, home to a tight three-way race, saw 12,380 early votes cast, the most of any riding.
The highest rate of participation came from Esquimalt-Metchosin, where 29 per cent of registered voters couldn’t wait until election day to make their choice.
