Turnout for SaanichB次元官网网址檚 byelection almost doubled to just under 11.4 per cent (9,521 cast ballots) compared to the last byelection in 2001, when just over six per cent of eligible voters participated.

B次元官网网址淭he voter turnout for this by-election was exceptional,B次元官网网址� said Kelsie McLeod, a spokesperson for the District of Saanich.

While it is not clear what caused the increase, potential reasons include the addition of a second all-candidatesB次元官网网址� forum, and the controversial nature of the issues, such as the fate of the Environmental Development Permit Area (EDPA) bylaw, perhaps the most divisive issue in recent years.

Voting took place at four locations: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, Gordon Head Recreation Centre, G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre and Saanich Commonwealth Place.

B次元官网网址淰oting day went extremely well in Saanich,B次元官网网址� said McLeod.

However at least one Saanich resident however reported a different experience.

Mary Kelly B次元官网网址� who described her voting experience as B次元官网网址渂adly organized chaosB次元官网网址� B次元官网网址� said it took her 35 minutes to cast her ballot at Gordon Head Recreation Centre, one of four polling stations. B次元官网网址淭here was one place to cast your ballot,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淵ouB次元官网网址檇 almost think that they didnB次元官网网址檛 want people to cast their vote, they made it so difficult.B次元官网网址�

McLeod said the volume of electors going through that particular voting place was high. B次元官网网址淏ut staff assisted all electors as efficiently as possible while keeping in line with proper protocols,B次元官网网址� she said.

McLeod also urged to keep things in perspective.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 important to note that similar to other municipalities, Saanich looks at historic data to determine the number of voting places for a by-election,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淭he voter turnout for the last by-election was 6.01%. We also offered two advance voting opportunities and curbside voting for those who needed assistance.B次元官网网址�

More voting places will be available at the general municipal election in 2018 due to a higher number of expected voters.

Turnout for the last municipal election was 34.7 per cent, or 28,517 voters, who cast their ballots at 20 locations.