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Power outage fails to affect voting

Vernon-Monashee station operating in the dark
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Advanced voting at Schubert Centre continues Friday and Saturday, as well as at the Vernon Recreation Complex and in Lumby at the Whitevalley Community Centre. (Lisa VanderVelde/Morning Star)

Despite power being cut to the Vernon Recreation Complex, voters aren’t left in the dark.

“We can still operate because the room that we are in has enough light,” said Janice Mori, district electoral officer, as advance voting is underway.

Power went out shortly after 6 a.m. Friday following the storms Thursday evening. Thousands of residents, mainly in the East Hill and City of Vernon have since been without, including the rec centre.

But elections officials aren’t letting the outage interfere with the democratic process.

“They just have to hand write instead,” said Mori, as officials don’t have the label printer to rely on.

Advance voting is underway Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the rec centre, Schubert Centre and the White Valley Community Centre in Lumby.

To date, 5,765 ballots have been cast over the first four advance voting days. In just the past two days, the Schubert Centre has collected 1,748 votes and the rec centre has counted 1,542.

“We had about 6,900 over four days last time,” said Mori, noting that there were two additional advance voting days this year - April 29 and 30. “I’d say we’re going to be above that.”

Voters are reminded to bring their ‘where to vote’ card and ID with them whether they are heading to advance polls or going out on election day Tuesday, May 9.

“And there’s always voting in our office as well,” said Mori, of the 1150 Kalamalka Lake Rd. location.

There are 14 stations set up for Tuesday in the Vernon-Monashee district (including 83 ballot boxes).

“Plus we have mobile teams that are going to locations,” said Mori of care home visits.

“And we also have two teams going to the hospital. So even if you accidentally end up at the hospital you can vote.”



Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

Vernon has always been my home, and I've been working at The Morning Star since 2004.
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