Northern News Services

Gjoa Haven (Oct 28/05) - Gjoa Haven residents voted to keep the community dry, with a resounding no.

Seventy-one per cent of eligible voters cast their votes to keep alcohol out of their community.

Ninety percent - or 431 of a possible 480 - of voters turned out to cast their ballots last Tuesday.

There were 117 voters in favour of letting the booze flow in Gjoa Haven, and 308 against. A vote to change the dry policy needed 60 per cent to pass.

Gjoa Haven Mayor Uriash Puqiqnak let people know in the summer that a vote was coming, after he received a petition with 30 names requesting the vote. "The yes votes were very low, and I'm not expecting any petitions for a while."

The students made large posters urging people to vote no on booze. "The young people wanted to see something. They have no power, but they wanted to help the community," said Puqiqnak.

Ida Porter credited the youth at the school for making a difference with their posters. "There was a lot of meaning in their words. I'm happy for the kids," said Porter.

"I'm really excited about it. I voted and I don't want a wet community. I was surprised that many people came out," said Mary Ukuqtunnuaq.

"Yes, I'm happy, there is no shelter for women and children in this community," said Connie Arquiq.

Returning officer Teddy Carter was happy to see the vote go smoothly. "I was surprised at the amount of voters that showed up."

The polls opened at 9 a.m. and Carter wasn't done working until 9 p.m. The line-up was longest at 1 p.m., but "it was busy all day long,"