ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — As winter begins and the coronavirus pandemic continues, conjecture about a provincial election call is generating plenty of opinions.
Winter elections are often unpopular anyway because of the weather, but some think it’s also the wrong timing, as they want the stability of the current governmental structure until the pandemic passes.
Others say it would just cause problems with the ability to effectively campaign, and to attend voting polls while adhering to social distancing and sanitation guidelines.
And some say bring it on.
Here are six opinions expressed when The Telegram asked Tuesday, “How do you feel about the possibility of an election being called amid winter during a pandemic?”
If you would like to express your own opinion, you can participate in the accompanying poll.
Nicole Parrell, Paradise
"During a pandemic, I don’t think it’s the greatest time to do it. Keep everything as it is at the moment. If somebody new comes in, how are they going to handle it? Keep the people there now who have been dealing with (COVID-19) for almost a year. Do I think it was a good idea for (former premier) Dwight Ball to step down when he did? No."
Lucas Downer, Torbay
"It doesn’t seem that it is great. But at the same time, our counts are so low it doesn’t seem a crazy risk. But it is an unneeded risk."
Sharon Foley, St. John’s
"It doesn’t matter."
Jim Higgins, St. John’s
"Insane. I understand government needs to be continued, but rolling out the vaccine and making sure everyone is safe is the priority. It’s been 100 years since the last major pandemic. Get it under control."
Anne MacDonald, St. John’s
"I’m not crazy about the idea. I don’t think they can campaign effectively and get together with groups of people. For people being able to vote, it will be difficult to keep the (public health) regulations."
Mike Morey, St. John’s
"I don’t object to that. I am OK with it."
