Polls close in Manitoba's 42nd general election

Manitobans went to the polls today in an election that has the incumbent Progressive Conservatives seeking a second majority government.

Polls opened at 8 a.m. CT in the province's 42ndgeneral election. Eligible voters had until 8 p.m. CTto vote.

Live coverage began at 7:30 p.m.online,and on CBC Radio One 89.3 FM and CBC Television in Manitoba.

More than 113,000 Manitobans have already cast ballotsin advance polls, according to Elections Manitoba,compared to about 110,000 in 2016.

Kate Moulden, 19, cast a ballot on Tuesday in her first ever provincial election.

I'm so excited. We're lucky to be able to do this.- Kate Moulden, voter

"I'm so excited. We're lucky to be able to do this," she said outsidethe voting station at the Robert A.SteenCommunity Centrein Winnipeg'sWolseleyneighbourhood.

"Thousands and thousands of people everywhere around the world can't vote. We have the privilege to be able to do that. We're so lucky to be in a society, in a country, that respects voting.

"Let's just do it."

Mouldensaid she watched the leaders' debate, read all of the parties' platforms and the individual candidates' literature before making her X on the ballot.

"I just wanted to make sure I was educated enough because there really isn't any excuse for not voting, unless you actually can't," she said, adding that poverty, education and health are her main concerns.

Stuart Kroghwas among the first wave of voters to the Wolseleypolling station, but he wasn't particularly happy about it.

It's an election we weren't supposed to have for another year.- Stuart Krogh, voter

"It's an election we weren't supposed to have for another year," he said, referring to Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister's decision to go to the polls before the set date inOctober 2020.

"In spite of that, it's still important to vote, even if it's just to send a message, even if you spoil your vote."

Promises made

This was an early election, called three years into the Progressive Conservatives'term.

Over the 29-day campaign, Pallister made promises to create 40,000 jobs, improve supports for victims of domestic violenceandtackle the methamphetamine crisis,as well asbring more tourists to the provinceandcreate more flexible grocery store hours.

NDP Leader WabKinew made commitments includingbanning mandatory overtimefor nurses,increasing the minimum wage to $15andupgrading infrastructure,pluscapping tuition feesandslashing hydro bills.

Liberal Leader Dougald Lamontpromised to invest inFrench education, improve health-care access and bring in a $15 minimum wage, as well as cutcrimeand take bold action on climate change.

Green Party Leader James Beddome made promises, includingaguaranteed basic incomeandscrapping the education property tax,as well as developing a province-widecompost program and increasing the carbon tax.

All four leaders faced offonce, in an Aug. 28 televised leaders' debate.You can watch a recap of it here.