Anticipation was building, while the West Shore waited for election night results.
During the day there a steady of stream of voters at Colwood City Hall. In fact, there was so many a second ballot box was required.
Kim Marier works in the school district, “so voting for school trustees is important to me with my job. I’m also a social studies teacher, so I know how important being involved in elections is.” #yyjvotes pic.twitter.com/3HanL3582F
— Goldstream Gazette (@GoldstreamNews) October 21, 2018
Deputy chief election officer Pat Crozier estimated approximately 3,000 votes were cast Saturday by roughly 7 p.m., adding to the nearly 1,500 advance votes.
“The whole day has been extremely busy,” Crozier said from Colwood City Hall. “We’re excited to see what the actual total is going to be.”
Voter Cathy Andrews said she voted because reading about candidates’ “visions for #Colwood’s future made me really hopeful and excited. I’m more eager to participate and have a say in what things are going to look like.” #yyjvotes pic.twitter.com/VecmJcPtNT
— Goldstream Gazette (@GoldstreamNews) October 21, 2018
Polls closed at 8 p.m. Saturday during the final day of voting in the 2018 municipal election and Crozier said it went smoothly despite a larger turnout. “It’s much bigger but it’s gone very well.” This is her 10th and final election helping out in Colwood.
Be in line by 8p.m. you can still vote even if you cast your ballot after polls close. #yyjvotes #yyj #yyjpoli pic.twitter.com/o7LM3BiYl5
— Goldstream Gazette (@GoldstreamNews) October 21, 2018
READ MORE: Municipal election coverage
Nick Alcadinho is a first-time voter. He said he cast his vote because, “I think it’s important for everyone of all ages to be voting and just stay involved in the community.” #yyjvotes pic.twitter.com/EeWW79oHyx
— Goldstream Gazette (@GoldstreamNews) October 21, 2018
READ MORE: Last chance to vote in 2018 municipal election
First-time voter Nick Alcadinho said he cast his vote because “I think it’s important for everyone of all ages to be voting and just stay involved in the community.”
Over in the City of Langford, more than 2,600 people had been through the doors at the polling station at Ruth King Elementary School by 7:40 p.m.
“It was easier than I thought,” said Zak Papas, 21. “I looked at the newspaper and chose based on what made sense to me.”
Also voting for the first time in a municipal election, Emma Horgan, 22, said she judged candidates on their grammar and spelling.
But what really impressed Megan Evans, who was born and raised in Langford, was how positive all candidates kept the race with no smear campaigns. “Everyone stayed in their own lane,” she added.
Mannie and Dan say it's a civic duty to go out and vote. Dan feels like it's a way to provide feedback to a municipality and Mannie said the election brought up discussion with their kids about why voting is important and how to do it. #yyj #yyjpoli pic.twitter.com/QD9Won9gwo
— Goldstream Gazette (@GoldstreamNews) October 21, 2018
As the clock was about to strike 8 p.m., voters were literally running to the doors to cast their votes.
Jordan Helm cast his ballot at 7:59 pm in #Colwood. He said while he’s not interested in municipal politics, he figured the council will be making decisions that will impact his daily life. #yyjvotes pic.twitter.com/MFppfNhDXU
— Goldstream Gazette (@GoldstreamNews) October 21, 2018
-With files from Spencer Pickles and Katherine Engqvist