Despite the September seventeenth mask mandate that was recently put into effect, the common concern amongst voter’s remains the same on this election day – is it safe for me to enter the polling stations to cast my ballot during the pandemic? Though according to the statistics on Elections Canada, the number of voter’s at the advanced polls this year have significantly decreased from previous years, there are citizens who feel that the guidelines being put into place are the appropriate safety measures for an event such as this.
Annette Stauch and her daughter, Taylor, both commented on their decision to take part in the in-person polling stations. “I feel very comfortable,” says Annette, who also acknowledges that wearing a mask and maintaining a proper social distance helps to increase the safety of those in the building. “I think though,” she says, “if I were in a bigger city like Edmonton or Toronto, I probably would have chosen to mail in my vote.”
Taylor also made mention of her thoughts, stating that she “feels one-hundred percent comfortable going to vote in-person.” She also recognizes the importance of being able to mail in ballots as well, expressing her opinion that “it’s a very good option for people to have.” As a student herself, she discusses her own schedule that makes being around other individuals a day-to-day necessity. “Coming to vote in-person isn’t an inconvenience for me, because I’m typically out and about anyways. And wearing a mask adds protection, so that’s fine with me too.”
Another individual, who has been asked to remain anonymous, reflects on their own decision to attend these in-person stations. “I feel perfectly comfortable just putting a mask on and going through,” they say, “and speaking on past voting experiences, the environment is usually pretty open. There isn’t a ton of people in there, standing shoulder-to-shoulder.” They also address the importance of the social aspect when being able to cast a ballot in-person, mentioning “It’s probably just the experience for me. It’s not something that we often get to do, so when we actually get the opportunity to do it, it’s nice to physically be able to go and complete it.”
Regardless of these safety measures that have been put in place and the many individuals who have chosen to directly vote in-person, Elections Canada has confirmed that the results based on the number of voters per electoral district have dropped largely by thousands. According to the given statistics, the Lewvan district has fallen by 3 999 people, bringing this years total to 14 741. In addition, the Wascana district has fallen by 2 471, bringing the total to 13 579. These advanced poll results clarify the growing impact that Covid-19 has had in multiple aspects, but more specifically, in the aspect of politics as a whole. Although many are feeling confident in their choice to attend in-person polls, a great number of people have decided to go through with the alternative of mail-in ballots this year.
