Voter turnout for yesterday’s advance poll in the Waterford Valley byelection was brisk, by all accounts.

Staff on site at Beaconsfield Junior High said anecdotally that there was a steady stream of people coming and going from the moment voting opened at 8 a.m.

That’s a notable increase from past advance polls, according to the more seasoned Elections NL workers.

In total, 776 votes were cast according to Elections NL.

Reasons for wanting to vote in advance ran the usual gamut, from work commitments and vacation conflicts, to those with mobility issues and others who prefer to avoid the last minute rush of people.

This woman would prefer local politicians stick to the issues they can control.

“I want people to focus on things that the provincial government is responsible for, and not things that are outside the realm, and people are confusing the two,” she said.

“I don’t know that the provincial government can do anything about the cost of groceries. Having said that, I only got information from one candidate. Didn’t see hide nor hair of the other two. If I don’t hear from them now, they’re not going to address my needs later.”

Staff also reported a noticeable increase in the number of young people coming in to register and vote for the first time.

The byelection in Waterford Valley is set for next Thursday, August 22nd.

Nicole Boland is running for the NDP, Jamie Korab for the Liberals, and Jessie Wilkins is carrying the PC banner.