WESTLOCK — While the extreme cold may not have kept Westlock voters away, the long lineups did cause issues for some.
That’s how it was for resident Charles Way, who said he waited nearly 20 minutes outside the Westlock and District Community Hall in the extreme temperatures around 3:30 p.m. on byelection day Jan. 10, and said he and others were forced to leave after they could not get inside the building to vote. On Wednesday, temperatures in the region plummeted and Environment and Climate Change Canada issued an extreme cold warning, as temperatures over the next few days were expected to drop to a low of -50 C with the wind chill.
“There were five of us that left and then when we left, there were a whole bunch of people behind us that decided to leave too,” said Way, noting the large number of residents and the slow pace of the lineup.
Hundreds of voters packed the Westlock and District Community Hall all day despite the bitter cold and an extreme cold warning for the region, issued by Environment Canada, to cast their vote and have a say on who will be Westlock’s next mayor and newest councillor.
Way said he called the town to complain and make them aware of his concerns and was very surprised and disappointed at the lack of action and how the town dealt with the long line-ups, especially considering the extreme temperatures.
Way also noted that he did not return to cast a vote later that night.
“I feel like my rights have been taken away from me to be honest with you,” he said.
When contacted the following day the town did acknowledge the long lineups and CAO Simone Wiley noted steps the town took to make room for the large number of voters waiting in line, as soon as possible.
“I did receive a call from one man regarding the wait time but that was the only complaint received,” said Wiley. “As soon as we were able, the large room in the hall was opened up to accommodate the volume of people.”
As a 14-year resident, Way said he wants to see the town grow and prosper and pointed out the important vote in the byelection.
“I think it’s extremely important. That’s why I wanted to make sure I voted. I wanted to make sure I got in to vote because of the big vote next month,” explained Way, adding it’s a stepping stone for the plebiscite at the end of February. “It’s going to show which way Westlock is leaning towards.”
