Gap narrowing between Vision and the NPA in Vancouver’s race: report
Posted November 7, 2014 12:15 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – There are reports suggesting the gap between Vision Vancouver and the NPA is down to just four percentage points, with Vision leading the way. The narrowing gap is according to internal polling numbers from Vision.
UBC political scientist Max Cameron says a major factor in this election is going to be the 20 per cent of undecided voters, which could make the difference between Gregor Robertson winning or losing.
“It just takes a small shift, when the turnout is so low. If you can attract those undecided voters and get them out to the polls then that would obviously be critical to the success of any party.”
“There may be apprehension about voting for a new face and for a party that represents really quite a distinctive option for the city. I think there is really a choice here,” he adds.
Cameron says there is also the swing vote possibility, meaning people who were thinking about backing COPE could end up catapulting the NPA into power.
“Vision can not afford to rest on its laurels by any means. It will need to poll its own supporters and make the case. If you’re a Vision voter thinking about potentially going with COPE this time, then you may wind up with the NPA in City Hall.”
He feels the race in Vancouver is too close to call right now, but notes the incumbent typically wins in most mayoral races in BC.
“It’s pretty much a toss-up,” says Cameron. “I still think, probably, Vision — as the incumbent — has the advantage. But it’s just too dynamic to predict, particularly given how nasty the campaign has got with Vision taking NPA to court over its publicity spots and the NPA running such a strongly negative campaign.”
The civic election is Saturday, November 15th. News1130 will have a team of reporters bringing you the latest results on-air and online.
