Steady stream of voters at advance polls

INNISFAIL – The countdown to election day in Innisfail-Sylvan Lake continues.

Advanced polls are now closed and local candidates will soon be wrapping up their 28-day campaigns.

Returning officer Carla Gabert said although she could not reveal the number of votes cast from July 3 to 7 in the advance polls there was a steady turnout.

“We’ve had a steady turnout throughout the advance poll period,” said Gabert. “All the advance polls opened on time and we haven’t had any issues.”

Abigail Douglass, Alberta Party candidate, said she is pleased with how her campaign has gone thus far.

“It’s been absolutely amazing. I have been so overwhelmed at how welcoming people are,” said Douglass. “A lot of towns, cities and villages have been super supportive.

“I feel like I’ve gained incredible momentum.”

UCP candidate Devin Dreeshen shared similar sentiments.

“It’s been going really well,” said Dreeshen. “I’ve been overwhelmed with the amount of support and the volunteers coming out. Every day we’ve been door knocking, engaging with and talking with as many people as possible.”

Nicole Mooney, the NDP candidate, said she’s talked with area residents about many issues.

“Throughout this campaign, I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to talk to neighbours and community members about the issues that matter to them, like our government’s work to protect services families rely on, like health care and education and getting the Trans Mountain pipeline built to create jobs in our communities,” said Mooney in an email statement.

Independent candidate David Inscho joined the race late but said he has received positive feedback on the campaign trail.

“I’ve been very pleased with the campaign and how it’s going. People are very receptive, they’re very open and very friendly,” said Inscho. “I’ve been very pleased with the response I've got.”

Liberal candidate Nick Jansen said he’s had good responses from the ridings’ young families, seniors, and rural and urban citizens. “They tell me they are encouraged that Alberta Liberals support the Trans Mountain Pipeline, will not cut essential social programs and want to promote business development to create more jobs,” said Jansen. "I will continue to meet people in this area and talk about their concerns for the rest of the campaign this week. I encourage everyone to carefully consider the issues and come out to vote on Thursday."

Voters go to the polls on July 12.