WESTLOCK — While the extreme cold may not be keeping Westlock voters away today, the long lineups are certainly causing 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 this afternoon, around 3:30 p.m. and said he and others were forced to leave after they could not get inside the building to vote.
“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.
“While we were standing there, there were only three people that came out of the building so it was really slow," he said.
Way said he called the town to complain and make them aware of his concerns and was very surprised at the lack of action and was very disappointed in how the town dealt with the long line-ups today, especially considering the extreme temperatures.
Way also noted that he will not be returning to cast a vote later tonight.
“I feel like my rights have been taken away from me to be honest with you,” Way added.
As a 14-year resident, Way said he wants to see the town grow and prosper and pointed out the important vote in this 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, noting it’s a stepping stone for the plebiscite at the end of February. “It’s going to show which way Westlock is leaning towards.”
