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Thousands cast ballots before election day in Abbotsford

Six days of advance polls saw increased turnout
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More than 17,500 people had already voted in Abbotsford’s three ridings before election-day polls officially opened Tuesday morning.

Advance polls were open April 29, 30 and May 3, 4, 5, 6.

Across the province, more than 614,000 people - 19 per cent of registered voters – decided to cast their ballot early over six days of advance polls. In 2013, only 11 per cent of registered voters marked their X early, when there were four days of advance polls.

Abbotsford fell below the provincial average this year: 17 per cent of registered voters cast ballots early in Abbotsford West, compared to 15 per cent in Abbotsford-Mission and 12 per cent in Abbotsford-South – the second-lowest rate in B.C.

Ridings on Vancouver Island saw some of the highest early turnout. Many see this as a good sign for the Green Party, which is trying to breakthrough with new island seats. Saanich North and the Islands, home to a tight three-way race, saw 12,380 early votes cast, the most of any riding.

The highest rate of participation came from Esquimalt-Metchosin, where 29 per cent of registered voters couldn’t wait until election day to make their choice.