Vote today
Prince Edward Island voters must make important decisions on candidates, issues and the future direction of their communities when they cast ballots across the province today. These are the most anticipated municipal elections in almost 25 years; since first-amalgamation votes were held in October 1994 in Charlottetown, Summerside, Stratford and Cornwall. Today is also historic: Every Island municipality is going to the polls today for civic elections.
The good news is that many voters will have options today. Most races in the larger cities and towns have multiple candidates seeking office. Acclamations were rare and that’s healthy for our democracy.
Many candidates have been campaigning for months; others, for mere weeks, such as in Three Rivers, where there wasn’t even an amalgamated community until late September. There, candidates had to make rushed decisions on whether to run; and then mount last-minute campaigns.
New mayors are guaranteed in four of the larger municipalities — well, sort of. In Summerside, Bill Martin isn’t re-offering, following through on a promise he made four years ago. But Basil Stewart, who served as mayor the previous 29 years, is seeking to win back the job in an interesting three-way battle with Brent Gallant and Nancy Beth Guptill.
In Three Rivers, five candidates are seeking to become the first mayor of the new regional municipality. Richard Collins, who served as Montague mayor for 26 years, is running; as is Peggy Coffin, the former Brudenell chairwoman.
In Charlottetown, there are also five candidates running, seeking to replace Clifford Lee, a civic fixture who served as mayor the previous 15 years and who sat on council for 16 years before that. Mr. Lee decided earlier this year not to re-offer.
David Dunphy isn’t re-offering in Stratford, leaving an open race among three candidates – Steve Ogden and Jody Jackson who served on the past council, and former councillor Sandy McMillan.
In Cornwall, Mayor Minerva McCourt is seeking re-election in a two-way race with Graham Hicken.
There is the potential for a record turnout at the polls today. First, the weather forecast is almost perfect for Nov. 5 – sunny skies, 5-6 C temperatures and light winds. Contested races are drawing lots of interest as advance polls and early voting options have seen upwards of 25 to 30 per cent of eligible voters already casting ballots. Municipal elections traditionally see 50 per cent turnouts, and 60 per cent or more is extraordinary. With these early numbers, we’ve seen 50 per cent or more of usual voters already turn out. It’s a virtual certainty that record numbers of voters will cast ballots – at least in the larger cities and towns.
The Guardian is joining with Eastlink Community TV to bring the latest results, live reports and expert analysis with extensive election coverage tonight, beginning at 7 p.m. on Channels 10 and 610; and on the Guardian’s website at www.theguardian. pe.ca.
Polls are open today from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Do your civic duty and vote. The future of your community depends on your participation.