MARIJUANA MUNCHIES LEAD SANDWICH POLL

At Lorraine's Deli on Ford Road in Pitt Meadows, a ham and cheese sandwich
on sourdough is a vote for the NDP.

A "Cheese and Ham" on the same bread, or any other type, is one for the
Liberal Party.

Customers can also vote for the Green Party by ordering a "Veggie Special,"
made from only the freshest of ingredients, or the B.C. Unity Party by
selecting the "Turkey Special," made from a varied assortment of ingredients.

The Marijuana Party sandwich is called "Lorraine's Munchie Special," made
from a fine blend of natural ingredients.

Brent and Lorraine Holmes, who live in Whonnock and have owned and worked
at the deli for seven years, started the sandwich poll on Wednesday, a week
into the provincial campaign. They thought the poll would be fun, but also
wanted to make a statement about government.

"We need a change," Lorraine said.

Their deli is surrounded by leaky apartments, while business has dropped
drastically since the transit strike began.

They said their customers, many of whom live in the leaky condos, are stuck
with $20,000 and $30,000 repair bills and can't afford $5 sandwiches any
more. High school students and seniors aren't coming in for lunch as often
because, without buses, the deli is a long walk.

Lorraine blames the NDP. Based on early sandwich poll results, so do most
prospective voters.

By noon, the Marijuana Party led with 12 votes. The Liberals had two. The
Green Party also had two. The Unity Party and NDP both had one. More were
undecided.

Brent thinks the votes for the Marijuana Party are a sign of voters'
frustration. Or a joke. He believes most will vote Liberal, like him.

"I'll probably take the chicken route and vote Liberal just to ensure the
NDP doesn't get back in," he said.

Lorraine's not saying who she's voting for.

Adel Zakus, a 46-year-old clerk for the B.C. Assessment Authority, located
in the office above the deli, doesn't know who she'll vote for, yet.

"I have absolutely no idea," she said while waiting for her lunch order. "I
have a feeling the Liberals will get in and everything will be the same.
Just like when the NDP got in after the Socreds - 'Oh, look what they left
us.'"

Adel hopes it's not like that. She, like many others, would like to see
changes in health care. The nursing shortage needs to be resolved, she
said. "They are underpaid and overworked."

When her father had a foot amputated at Royal Columbian Hospital to stop
the spread of cancer, Adel said the nurses were cleaning up garbage around
him as well as administering care.

"I don't think that's part of their job description," she said of the
janitorial duties.

Dave, a 22-year-old labourer who wouldn't give his last name, said he
probably won't vote on May 16. If he does, he'll likely vote for the
Marijuana Party. "They are a one thing party."

He supports legalizing marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use.

Steve, who also wouldn't give his last name, is frustrated by government
and doesn't plan on voting, either. "It's not worth the time," he said, the
daily newspaper in front of him open to the funny pages.

"It's pretty much the same crap every time."

Anthony Luca, a student at Pitt Meadows secondary, would vote if he could.
But at 16, he's too young. According to Elections B.C., voters must be at
least 18.

Anthony isn't sure who he would vote for, but said it wouldn't be the NDP.
He supports the party's tuition-fee freeze, though.

"I know who I'm not voting for," said Gail Kent, an "overly mature"
part-time accountant. "NDP."

There are too many reasons to list, she said. Gail is split between the
Liberal and Green parties. "I'll probably close my eyes and pick one."

Her friend, who also described herself as "overly mature" and said her name
is Amber, intends to vote Liberal. "Because I don't want to vote NDP."

Amber owns a dump truck, used to transport gravel mostly. Business is not
well, she said. Amber added the NDP hasn't done anything to help her
business or others.

Between drags of a cigarette, Amber said she's also concerned about health
care. "It seems the doors to the hospital are always closed."

A shirtless firefighter who came in for lunch, but wouldn't give his name,
fears what he thinks is inevitable.

"I hate to say it, but the Liberals are going to get in and I don't like
that at all," he said. "The NDP, that's been something else, but I think
the Liberals could be worse."

He refused to elaborate.

Five other lunchtime customers refused to give their names or even comment
on the provincial election. Three pleaded ignorance.