THUNDER BAY -- The city clerk says voter turnout has been pretty steady most of Monday.
John Hannam said there were plenty of people lined up early on election day to cast their ballots, and the lines have continued throughout the day.
“We’ve got a little over 10,000 voters have voted already today,” Hannam said just after 2 p.m.
“We’d like to see all 81,000 vote, but if we get up over 40,000 then that will be on pace with our average at least, but we’re looking to improve on that.”
More than 5,900 people took advantage of advance polling.
Hannam said he expects the first results to be posted at about 8:30 p.m., when advance polling votes have been tabulated.
Polls close at 8 p.m.
Norman Green was at the polls well ahead of closing time and said exercising his civic duty was the reason he voted.
“It’s absolutely important because our City Hall is spending way too much money,” Green said. “So my vote tended to show that and I voted for other people. We can’t afford the event centre. It would be nice to have, but until we get our budget in balance, right now I’m voting contrary to council.”
Jerry Eldridge had similar reasons for making his way down to his south-side polling station.
“I always vote, but I just wanted a change. I voted for (Keith Hobbs) the last time, primarily on crime. I don’t see any change. I see it getting worse. And I voted against the event centre. I think you can pretty well tell who I voted for,” Eldridge said.
He added the event centre will likely draw out more voters than past elections.
“I see an exceptionally large turnout,” he said.
Hillary McDowell had less political reasons for casting a ballot.
“It’s important because we’re all citizens of Thunder Bay and we all need to make a difference,” she said.
A total of 51 candidates are seeking 13 spots on council, including six running for mayor.
School board trustee elections are also being contested.
