NBers Don’t Support Fall Election: Poll

A “slim majority” of New Brunswickers do not support having a provincial election this fall, according to a new poll by Narrative Research.

The survey found 52 per cent of respondents mostly or completely oppose a fall election while 33 per cent completely or mostly support one. Sixteen per cent said they did not know or were unsure.

Narrative Research says results are generally consistent, but opposition is highest among northern New Brunswickers, francophones and older residents.

Most of those who do not support an election say it is bad timing and that efforts should focus on the pandemic. Other key reasons include that an election is unnecessary given that the current government is working well, that there is no reason place risk on the health and safety of voters, or because the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Those who support it say byelections need to happen, polling stations could be managed safely, or a majority government is needed.

A total of 1,115 New Brunswickers aged 18 years or older were surveyed from Aug. 5 to 9.