Election officials have created a single polling station at the Moncton Coliseum for the riding of Moncton North following complaints over access and parking at past locations.
In 2003, voters went to stations at St. Pat's Family Centre, the Moncton Boys and Girls Club, and Moncton Headstart.
New Brunswick elections spokesman Paul Harpelle says voters had difficulty accessing the centres because they were busy offering their usual services.
Moncton Headstart is not an option this year because it is being renovated.
Harpelle says the coliseum offers enough parking spots, as well as elevators for disabled voters.
"What will happen is, after the 2006 election is over, we'll have a look and have a conversation with the returning officer to see whether the coliseum works out, and whether we have to revisit that issue," he said.
Harpelle says the polling stations are selected by the riding's returning officers based on their knowledge of the neighbourhood.
Saturday's advance poll for the Sept. 18 election saw more than 24,000 people casting ballots across the province.
Harpelle says the turnout was varied throughout New Brunswick, with the heaviest turnout in the north.
"In one riding, there were 140 voters waiting outside the door 15 minutes before it even opened, so that tells me there were definitely some people who were anxious to cast their ballots," he said.
Harpelle says there were reports of some problems at first, but once people working the polls became accustomed to the process, things went smoothly.
The second advance poll runs Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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| Party | Elected | Leading | Total | Vote Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIB | 29 | 0 | 29 | 47.10% |
| PC | 26 | 0 | 26 | 47.50% |
| NDP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5.10% |
| OTH | 0 | 0 | 0 | .20% |
| Last Update:September 19, 1:13:13 AM ADT | ||||