More than 60,000 New Brunswickers vote early in advance polls

The number of peoplecastingan early ballot in the provincial election is tracking to be close to the 2014 advance polls, which set an all-time record in New Brunswick, according to figures from Elections New Brunswick.

That means there's still a week of campaigning left to go, but a projected 20 per cent of voters willhave already made up their minds by the time advance polls close at 8 p.m. Monday.

As of 5 p.m., nearly 60,000 New Brunswickersvoted over the two days of advance polls held on Saturday and Monday.

The two-day total during the last provincial election was 67,317.

By comparison, advance polls during the two previous elections hovered around 49,000.

Advance polls open nine days before the official voting day on Sept. 24.

About 44,000 people took advantage of the opportunity to cast an early ballot on Saturday.

Elections New Brunswick was hoping to see that momentum continue Monday, which was the first day of advance polls on 18university and college campuses across the province.

Students can choose whether to vote in their home ridings or the ridings they are living in to attend school, Elections NB said.

According to the agency, studentsmust be a Canadian citizen, be at least 18 years old, be ordinarily aresident somewhere in New Brunswick for at least 40 days before the election, and be living in the riding they apply to vote in.

For example, a student from British Columbia who has lived here for two years and has made New Brunswick his permanent residence can vote if that student provides ID with his name, signature, and residence in the riding he votes in.

Meanwhile, a student from Nova Scotia who came to New Brunswick to study on Aug. 25 just 29 days before the election cannot vote.

Students must present a form of ID with their name, signature, and address. Theycan bring a lease agreement, a utility bill, a student ID, or another document that vouches for their residency.

All students will be required to sign a declaration stating they are "ordinarily" a resident in New Brunswick and have been so for at least 40 days prior to the election.

Voters can also getballots for their home riding at any returning office in the province.

Campus polling stationsare available here.

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