From Meacham to Calidonia, the official voter turnout numbers are in for the Moose Jaw - Lake Centre - Lanigan riding. 

A total of 44,984 voters cast their ballots, and it was all made possible thanks to the 708 workers riding wide. 

Brian Harrison is the acting returning officer for the riding. He said that in the typical 12-14 hour day for workers on election day, there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes.   

"They have to do all of the paperwork which is long and complicated," said Harrison. "We have accessibility forms, we have revision forms, correction forms, transfer forms and right now the office is still humming with about six revising agents, getting everyone in the system proper for next time. There's just an amazing amount of behind the scenes work that happens that no one ever sees."

Harrison said that the total number includes elderly residents of care homes and hospital patients who had a simplified opportunity to vote because Elections Canada provides a mobile polling station. 

"We move the poll from place to place during the day and we really try to encourage everyone to get out and vote. Some of the elderly voters have voted every time since they were 18, so it's a big deal. It's an important service that we offer."

Bonny Rossler, director of administrative services at The Bentley Revera agrees. 

"For our residents, it allows them the democratic right to put down their mark on a paper, but they don't have to leave their home to do it. It's such a great service that they come to us, so that our residents have the opportunity to still partake in Canadian politics." 

Harrison said that although the day is long, working behind the scenes on election day brings a rewarding feeling. 

"I'm a farmer's son. It's like harvest on a field where everyone knows their job and everyone's doing their job really well and really focused. We are one of 338 ridings, and whenever I thought things were getting a little stressful, I would just multiply my stress times 338 and say, 'we're one wheel in a huge cog.' It is awe-inspiring to be part of that."

 

The numbers at a glance: 

Total advanced poll votes: 10,264

Total number of votes cast: 45,275

Rejected ballot papers: 291 

Total voter turnout: 44,984