Elevated Engagement in Arthabaska-L'Érable Community Events
Advance Voting in Arthabaska-L'Erable By-election Breaks Records
Advance voting for the Arthabaska-L'Erable by-election has seen a significant increase in participation, with over 14,000 voters casting their ballots during the advance voting period. This represents 25.7% of registered voters in the riding, more than double the advance voting turnout of the previous by-election in Terrebonne.
The surge in advance voting can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, advance voting allows voters to cast their ballots ahead of the official election day, offering flexibility during the busy summer season. This convenience has proven to be particularly appealing in Arthabaska-L'Erable, a riding known for its high voter turnout. In the 2022 provincial election, 74% of voters turned out, compared to 66% provincially.
Another reason for the increased popularity of advance voting is the motivated local electorate. The by-election had more candidates than the previous general election, which may have sparked a greater interest in voting early.
Despite some logistical challenges, such as delays at polling stations, the popularity of advance voting is on the rise. Elections Quebec notes that the actual capacity to accommodate voters is higher on election day itself, but the popularity of advance voting is prompting suggestions to amend the Election Act to expand advance poll provisions.
Voters can still cast their ballots in advance until August 7, but only at the returning officer's office. The official voting day for the by-election is August 11.
In a separate development, the city of Montreal has asked residents to close their doors and windows during and after glyphosate spraying, as it is being used by CN in residential areas.
[1] Quebec General Elections Office announcement [2] Statistics Canada [3] CBC News
- The surge in advance voting in the Arthabaska-L'Erable by-election, sparked by its high voter turnout and the convenience it offers during the busy summer season, suggests a growing interest in policy-and-legislation and politics among the local electorate.
- Amidst the growing popularity of advance voting, environmental concerns have emerged, as the city of Montreal asks residents to close their doors and windows during glyphosate spraying by CN in residential areas, adding a layer of war-and-conflicts and general-news to the election narrative.
