B.C. Liberal Leader Christy Clark jokingly peeks while voting in the provincial election on the first day of advance polling in Burnaby, B.C., on May 8, 2013.Reuters
B.C. Liberal leader Christy Clark kicked off the first day of advanced voting on Wednesday by casting her ballot early - but the usual friendly photo op was mired by questions about whether she messed up her ballot.
Ms. Clark's impromptu appearance at a polling station in Burnaby-Deer Lake wasn't on the official campaign schedule, but she still arrived with a large media contingent on her heels.
The event was designed to draw attention to the opportunity for voters to take advantage of extended voting hours in advance of the May 14 election.
But as she handed over her marked ballot to an Elections BC official, she paused and took the ballot back: "You know what I need to do, I need to put Margaret Macdiarmid on there too," she said, naming the Liberal candidate.
Ms. Clark is seeking election in Vancouver-Point Grey, but lives and must vote for a candidate in Vancouver-Fairview.
Elections BC officials later assured Ms. Clark that her vote will still count, as long as her voting intention is clear.
Justine Hunter