Writ drops, clearing the way for the May 9th provincial election
Posted April 11, 2017 7:26 am.
Last Updated June 15, 2017 4:15 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – BC Liberal Leader Christy Clark has asked that the Legislature be dissolved, clearing the way for the May 9th provincial election.
You could be forgiven for thinking the campaign started months ago, but the provincial election officially kicks off today when the writ drops in Victoria, clearing the way for the May 9th vote.
“I realize for average voters it can be oppressive — the constant conversation about election issues,” explains Alise Mills, a political strategist who has worked on past campaigns for the BC Liberal Party and the Conservative Party of Canada. “But I would implore BC voters not to be so burnt out that you don’t take the time to understand the issues and see them through a very analytical eye. Use your education, economics, finance and social policies to determine what is the best fit for you,” she tells NEWS 1130.
Mills believes it’s natural for voters to vent their frustrations with the province’s political leaders ahead of the vote. “But when you drill down it’s really going to be the same ballot box questions we had in 2013. Are you better off today? Are you more secure with the economy? Are you willing to take a chance and change directions?”
However Mills believes voter exhaustion and frustration are leading to a “bit of a crisis” for many British Columbians.
“I really do believe that voters in British Columbia have made up their minds. There’s been a huge runway before this election, like there was in 2013, and that is something that almost seems to be a tradition in British Columbia. What both leaders are going to try to do is craft the narrative through the campaign. I think there is probably 10 to 20 per cent out there who are ‘moveable’ in their vote,” Mills says.
Premier Christy Clark will visit the province’s lieutenant governor at about 10 a.m. to dissolve the Legislature and officially launch the campaign for the election.
Today is the deadline to register online with Elections BC. Click here for more information.
