“Vote early and vote often” is a tongue-in-cheek phrase but the ability to vote early in B.C.’s provincial election is perhaps the biggest innovation since electronic vote counting machines.
Having several days — not just election day — in which to cast a ballot is more convenient and fits in with people’s over-scheduled lives. It’s also good for political parties that are counting on early voters to get the vote out.
We know this is a smart solution to getting more people to the polls because Tri-City residents are taking advantage of it, turning out in droves on early voting days — today (Thursday), tomorrow amd Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
While internet voting might be even more convenient, it’s a long way off and Ontario, early adopters of online voting for municipal elections, seems to be turning away from this innovation because of security concerns after trying it out in 2014.
The feds aren’t planning to put voting online, either.
So for now, whether you vote today, tomorrow or May 9, you’ll have to go to the polling station in person. The main thing is this: Just vote.
