As of the close of polls Thursday, more than 54 hundred people had voted in the Saskatoon civic election -- that's almost 18 hundred more than at the same point in 2009.

Returning officer for the city, Joanne Sproule, explains that there are still some opportunities to cast an advance ballot at City Hall, Place Riel, and 4 of the city's malls, "There was a really good turnout in the malls. In fact, Market Mall had 640 people voting there [Thursday], which is significantly higher than the mall turnout in 2009. But then again the malls was a new concept in 2009, and perhaps it's catching on."

As for Friday -- the poll at Place Riel is open until 4 p.m., City Hall until 6 p.m., and the 4 stations in the 4 malls are open until 8 p.m.

Saturday is the last day of advance polling; Wednesday is election day.

(pb oct 19/12)