Ruling party candidate Michael Scott is ?quietly confident of a good turnout for the party and my candidacy? in today?s Sandys North by-election. But the Opposition candidate, Corin Smith, is expecting a backlash effect from the supporters of the Progressive Labour Party.

?I would like to encourage voters to come out to vote and exercise their right to vote in this by-election. It will be a tribute to the former holder of this constituency, Mr. Cox, who has done an excellent job for the nation as the first PLP Finance Minister. But apart from that we want to ensure that there is a historic turnout for a by-election,? said Mr. Scott.

?I expect a backlash, a hardening of the core support of the PLP,? said Mr. Smith. ?Because they don?t want to lose the seat.?

He said it was clear there are no safe seats anymore, and the threat of losing the seat would re-energise the PLP supporters.

?Mr. (Alex) Scott made it a referendum on his leadership. So they are very anxious not to lose on that basis. My candidacy may have had the effect of hardening the PLP supporters as well as attract the not so loyal supporters.?

Parliamentary Registrar Sabrina Phillips reminded voters last night to bring valid identification to the polling station at Somerset Primary School on Gilbert Lane tomorrow.

Voting hours are from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. The voter?s registry can be checked online (www.elections.gov.bm) or at all Police stations, the Bermuda Library and the Parliamentary Registry office.

Mrs. Phillips also reminded voters that they are entitled to time off from work to cast their ballots, and that they should only mark one candidate.