Candidates for the Pembroke East Central by-election on November 26 are all reporting a positive canvassing experience.

Voters who will be off the Island for the poll cast their ballots today.

"The reaction has been positive for me so far," said Ashfield DeVent, the ruling party's candidate.

"I haven't had any real complaints."

The "prime concerns," he said, have been "what people perceive to be illegal immigrants, drugs and the associated crime that go with it" and the need for affordable housing.

"It's been positive across the age groups and across the races as well.

"It all comes down to what they do in the ballot box," said Mr. DeVent.

He said he had a sense that a "fair amount" of voters will turn out, although there has historically been a low turnout for by-elections.

"I'd like to take the opportunity once again to urge them to exercise their democratic rights."

He said he was "confident and comfortable" about his chances of success at the poll.

"At the end of the day I can say I've been out there on the doorstep and I have given it my best shot.

"I would also say, for those I haven't seen, its not for lack of trying.

"There is a short space of time and a number of people have not been home," he said.

Mr. DeVent added that his canvassing will continue and that he may revisit some households before Election Day, but voters can also contact him through the Progressive Labour Party office.

The United Bermuda Party's Leonard Santucci reported a "very favourable, very encouraging" response to his candidacy.

"I have been everywhere from Mayflower through Hibiscus Lane, through Middletown, King Street, Glebe Road, St. Monica's and Whitney Avenue."

He added that he believed there will be a strong turnout.

"A pressing concern through the canvassing process is that with the absence of the annual voting registration there are a number of people between the ages of 18 and 22 who are not yet registered," he continued.

But he had been urging them to be registered.

"Many (issues) are the same - youth development, senior citizens, cost of housing, employment or unemployment which tends to be more prevalent among young people."

And Independent candidate Dennis Bean said he had met with a "simply fantastic" response.

"I have a lot of support across the Island on all sides of the political spectrum.

"But more importantly to me there are a number of praying intercessionaries so this is a move that has some very spiritual implications and I savour, with all due respect, the opportunity to serve in the House.

"I look forward to the opportunity."

Asked how confident he was of a victory, he said : "My confidence is in God.

"It's very important that I say that.

"I'm not going to shortchange God in any area.

"I'm telling you this is a whole different move."