Despite a pounding from tropical storm Juan, polls are open across Prince Edward Island.

Juan hit Charlottetown early Monday, knocking down trees and power lines and was expected to dump as much as 80 mm of rain before it moved on.

Pat Binns votes in near darkness in Murray River
Pat Binns votes in near darkness in Murray River

Many voters who went early to cast their ballots Monday had to walk over trees in darkness. Shortly after noon, the rain stopped and sun broke through the clouds over Charlottetown.

Polls opened at 9 a.m. and will close at 7 p.m.

Chief Electoral Officer Merrill Wigginton says there's no provision in law for delaying the vote. Under provincial rules, voting hours can't be changed. Some polling stations had to operate without power while others had to be moved.

But the storm and its aftermath may delay the election results. Under ideal circumstances, more than 90 per cent of the results are known within two hours.

Wigginton says the biggest problem will be lightning when it's time to count the ballots.

Binns seeks third majority

Premier Pat Binns and the Progressive Conservatives are hoping to win a third consecutive majority.

Binns cast his ballot by a dim light in the Murray River Hall. A small generator provided enough power for one bulb in the hall.

About 97,000 people are registered to vote in Monday's Prince Edward Island general election. The campaign lasted 26 days. It was called on the evening of Sept. 2 after Premier Pat Binns was nominated in the riding of Murray River-Gaspereaux.

Since then the three parties ? Liberal, Conservative and NDP ? have been sharing their vision of the island's next government.

Health care has held the lead in this political drama. Education, car insurance and electricity rates have been playing supporting roles.