Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 13/06) - Henry White says his "barber poll" on the Jan. 23 federal election promises to be "a real eye-opener."

"There are way more people participating than in the past," said White, who moved his barber shop to Yellowknife from Hay River in September.

White ran the poll in Hay River in two previous federal elections and said they picked the winner: Ethel Blondin-Andrew.

Ballots won't be counted until Jan. 18, but White said early indications are that the NDP and Conservatives are leading the incumbent.

White invites patrons and anyone who walks into his shop to choose from different coloured slips of paper that represent each of the parties.

"Just drop a slip in the box," said White.

White said that he couldn't operate the poll alone, and has people to help with the ballot counting.

This year's poll started on Dec. 29, and he predicts interesting results.

"I think this one will be an eye-opener for sure," said White.