It had the highest rate of advance voter turnout, and with no incumbent, Esquimalt-Metchosin could be one of the most intriguing races to watch Tuesday night.
The riding led the province in voter participation in advance polls with a whopping 29 per cent of eligible voters casting their ballots early.
But there have been some shake-ups in the riding: formerly Esquimalt-Royal Roads, its boundaries have been redrawn since the 2013 election to include Metchosin.
With three-time incumbent NDP MLA Maurine Karagianis retiring, it could be anyone’s game.
Trying to grab it, a familiar face: Long-time Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins is trying to make the jump from civic to provincial politics, hoping her history in the region will lead to a Liberal seat.
Meanwhile, the NDP is hoping political newcomer Mitzi Dean, an advocate for child and youth issues with a focus on affordability, will keep the riding in orange territory.
Rounding out the major parties is Green candidate and Metchosin councillor Andy Mackinnon, a retired biologist who feels he’s more than just a wildcard.
The Libertarian Party’s Josh Steffler, the Communisty Party’s Tyson Strandlund and Independent candidate Delmar Martay round out the ballot.
Riding currently held by: NDP
Candidates
- Mitzi Dean (NDP)
- Barb Desjardins (Liberal)
- Andy Mackinnon (Green)
- Delmar Martay (Independent)
- Josh Steffler (Libertarian)
- Tyson Strandlund (Communist)
Watch all-candidates debate hosted by CFAX 1070 below:
