Charlottetown-Winsloe voters go to the polls
Vote today will determine whether PCs remain in minority situation
Residents of Charlotte town-Winsloe head to the polls today to select who will be their representative in the P.E.I. legislature.
The byelection was triggered by the resignation of long-time Liberal MLA Robert Mitchell in early September.
Four candidates are vying to be the next MLA for the district. They are Zack Bell for the Progressive Conservatives, Zac Murphy for the Liberals, Lynne Thiele for the NDP and Chris van Ouwerkerk for the Greens.
There are significant stakes in this byelection, both locally and for the provincial political scene.
If the Progressive Conservatives win, this will bring their total seat count to 14. This would constitute a majority, although one of their members, Colin LaVie, occupies the largely neutral role of Speaker of the legislative assembly.
Legislative scholars have informed The Guardian that this would still constitute a “slim” or “working” majority government.
If the Greens win, it will build upon their strong showing in the 2019 general election and strengthen their hand as the Official Opposition, no doubt improving their ability to extract
concessions from the governing PCs.
If the Liberals win, it will give the party a significant bounce after their disappointing showing in the 2019 election.
A Liberal win could also provide momentum for the party’s leadership contest over the coming year.
A win for the NDP would be a breakthrough for the social democratic party, one not seen since the district of West PointBloomfield was represented by Herb Dickieson from 1996-2000.
Elections P.E.I. reported strong turnout for three days of advance voting. As of Saturday, close to 40 per cent of eligible voters in the district had cast their ballot. An additional 5.6 per cent have voted by mail.
Charlottetown-Winsloe voters will cast their ballots at the Community Baptist Church at 162 Sherwood Rd.
Public health measures will be in effect. These will include physical distancing, capacity limits, personal protective equipment and plexi-glass barriers for poll staff and frequent cleaning of voting stations.
Masks are encouraged within the voting location but are not mandatory.
Polls are open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Voters are encouraged to bring their voter information cards or, if they have not received one, to bring two pieces of identification, including at least one listing a home address.