Ballots cast in large numbers throughout county

Barrie Examiner October 27 2010
Clearly, there was something in the air. Voter turnout was high right across the area.
In Springwater Tow nship, long-time incumbent Mayor Tony Guergis was a distant third, garnering only 615 votes to winner Linda Collins’ 3,203. A total of 5,600 people cast votes in Springwater, resulting in a 38.8% voter turnout. That’s up 1,000 voters from the 30.4% during the last election.
“The township would like to thank all residents who took part in the vote, and appreciate the patience shown by all electors who encountered longer than expected line-ups due to increased voter turnout,” communications co-ordinator Jennett Mays said.
In Essa Township, Terry Dowdall pushed out long-time incumbent David Guergis with 3,063 votes to 1,481. There, 4,560 residents cast votes from an eligible 12,350 voters, representing a voter turnout of about 36%.
That’s up substantially from the roughly 20% turnout in Essa in 2006 — although, that year, the mayor, deputy mayor and Ward 1 councillor were all acclaimed.
Neither of the Guergis brothers have returned repeated calls from The Barrie Examiner seeking comment on their losses.
Innisfil boasted a 46.6% voter turnout, increasing over the 45.2% of eligible voters who cast votes four years ago.
There, Barb Baguley captured 5,943 votes over Gord Wauchope’s 5,243 for the mayor’s seat. Dan Davidson beat out Bill Van Berkel 5,986 to 5,081.
In Orillia, 50.98% of those eligible, voted.
A total of 11,201 voters cast a ballot in the Sunshine City, of 21,973 eligible.
Like in Barrie, this year’s municipal election in Orillia drew more people than any other election since 1988.
Even in Oro-Medonte Township, where Mayor Harry Hughes was acclaimed, voters flocked to the polls with a 33% voter turnout, down only somewhat from the 37% turnout in 2006.
“I was impressed with our overall turnout in our election this year,” said township clerk Doug Irwin, who cited a great deal of interest in the race for deputy mayor.
Ralph Hough ultimately beat out Sandy Agnew with 3,655 votes to 1,995.