If the advance polls are any indication, Cochrane is in for a solid turnout for the municipal election.

Today, Monday Oct. 16, is election day and polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to determine who will be our mayor and town councillors.

Over 1,700 people cast their ballots at advance polls, over triple the 512 who voted in advance in the 2013 municipal election. Over 700 voted at the last advance poll on Saturday.

In the 2013 municipal election, Cochrane had a 33 per cent turnout. Of the 13,789 eligible voters, only  4,543 voted. Town councillor Jeff Toews got the top vote with 2,769 people placing an 'X' by his name. He isn't seeking re-election.

The town's spring census calculated the town's 18 and overpopulation is now 18,718. The numbers flooding to the advance polls might partially reflect that, but it largely indicates a keener interest in municipal issues.

To recap, there are 15 candidates for town council and three for mayor.

Running for mayor are incumbent Ivan Brooker, Jeff Genung and Thomas (Tom) Hardy.

You can vote for up to six people for council from a list that includes Miles Chester, Vivian Cox, Dan Cunin, Bella Fallis, Marni Fedeyko, Susan Flowers, Scott Gibson-Craig, Kent Liang, incumbent Tara McFadden, incumbent Morgan Nagel, Jason Phillips, Patrick Price, Alex Reed, incumbent Ross Watson and Patrick Wilson.

Three polling stations have been established for today and where you vote depends upon where you reside in Cochrane.

If you live north of Hwy. 1A or in Gleneagles, you vote at the Cochrane RancheHouse, 101 RancheHouse Rd. Those living east of Hwy. 22 and south of Hwy. 1A (excluding Gleneagles) vote at the Frank Wills Memorial Hall, 405-1st St. E..If you live west of Hwy. 22 and south of Hwy. 1A, your voting station is at the Glenbow School, 55 Glenpatrick Rd. 

There is no voters' list so you will be required to produce proof of identity, 

You can find details on the election here, including what is acceptable identification.