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Yorkton going with one polling place this fall

All municipal voters will head to Gallagher Centre
city hall

When Yorkton goes to the polls in November to election its Mayor and Council voters will all be trekking to a singled location; the Gallagher Centre.

Moving to a single polling location from what has typically been three locations was a decision make at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council by a narrow 4-3 vote; with Councillors Randy Goulden, Mitch Hippsley and Darcy Zaharia opposed.

“Historically, polling stations have been designated at three locations spread evenly around the City,” said Jessica Matsalla Director of Legislation & Procedures (City Clerk) with the City in presenting a report to Council.

For 2020 Elections, Council wished to explore the implications of different options for polling locations, such as hosting one super polling station to reduce voter confusion and simplify processes, she said.

An opportunity for community engagement on the matter was offered through means of a survey, which was distributed beginning on June 5. The survey ran for three weeks, ending June 26. Paper surveys were delivered to each mailbox in Yorkton, and there was also the option to complete the survey online.

A total of 7500 surveys were mailed out.

“A total of 465 responses were received,” said Matsalla.

“We learned that out of 440 votes on polling stations, 52.5 percent liked one polling station, and 47.5 percent liked the usual three polling stations.”

The main concerns with holding one polling station were in regards to ensuring safety surrounding the COVID, said Matsalla.

The benefits to having one super poll in Yorkton are as follows:

*The Gallagher Centre is a facility that can accommodate a large poll, with adequate parking, ample space, and accessibility for most people.

*It is a familiar facility for the whole community.

*It would simplify advertising, and reduce confusion about where you vote.

*Advance Polls (four of them), will be held at the Gallagher Centre, Gloria Hayden Community Centre, and two Drive-Thru Polls at the Ag Pavillion.

*According to the Elections Survey, 64 percent of participants support using a mail-in ballot system, especially in light of the Pandemic.

“Administration is in favour of one polling station at the Gallagher Centre for the reasons aforementioned, but does proactively have the other locations tentatively booked if Council chooses that option,” said Matsalla.

While some, such as Coun. Goulden stated they were “leaning toward three” polling locations, Mayor Bob Maloney championed the move to one.

Maloney said with issues including a provincial election only days ahead of the municipal vote, and COVID-19, “there will be lots of confusion out there.” He said, “The best way to combat that” is to be able to tell voters they all vote at the Gallagher Centre.

“I think going to one poll in in the best interest in the long run ... so why not now,” he added.