Newmarket residents Chris and Sarah Kelsey were out to vote on Ontario election day in Newmarket Feb. 27.
The two were among a stream of voters making their way to the poll at the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, with Chris Kelsey saying the family always makes sure to vote.
“It’s civic duty,” he said. “Turnout’s been going down and down in this province, and I think that’s why we end up in the situations we end up in.”
Thousands of Newmarket and Aurora voters are making their way to the polls today to decide who will be the next MPP for Newmarket-Aurora. Incumbent Conservative Dawn Gallagher Murphy is facing off against five challengers, including Liberal Chris Ballard, NDP Denis Heng, Green David Jakubiec, Ontario Moderate Party Yuri Duboisky and New Blue Shirin Khasbakhi.
Voters at the polls echoed the sentiment that voting is a responsibility.
“It’s our civic duty,” voter Tracy Gale said “If you don’t vote, then you can’t complain. You have to make sure your voice is heard by voting.”
“I have the legal right,” voter Paula Lamanna said. “So I can pick the provincial government that’s going to change some of the stuff that’s happening.”
The campaign came after a snap election call from the Conservative government.
“It was kind of a fast election,” Gale said. “It kind of went by really quickly … I didn’t actually have anybody come to my door.”
Voters spoke about a range of issues at the polls, but several expressed concern about the impact of potential U.S. tariffs. Others spoke about issues like the economy and health care.
In the last provincial election in 2022, turnout was at an all-time low, with only about 43.5 per cent of eligible voters casting a ballot. Early voting turnout was down in this election compared to last, though with fewer early voting days, although Newmarket-Aurora was slightly above the provincial average in that regard, with 6.42 per cent of voters going early versus 6.14 per cent for the rest of the province.
Voter Greg Anderson said he always votes, regardless of what polls might suggest about the election outcome.
“I don’t really see that much is going to change, but it’s still important to get out and vote,” he said.
You can still vote up until 9 p.m. today. See electionsontario.ca for information on voting and where your nearest polling station is.
“Polls are now open across the province, and election officials are fully prepared to provide a smooth, efficient, and accessible voting experience for all Ontarians,” chief electoral officer of Ontario Greg Essensa said in a news release. “I encourage all eligible voters who have not yet done so to take this opportunity to get out and vote in this important election."
NewmarketToday will provide ongoing, live coverage as the results come in after polls close at 9 p.m.