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May was then able to vote in the Saanich-Gulf Islands riding she won in the 2011 election and is expected to win again.

May predicted that Stephen Harper’s Conservatives are headed for defeat and said she expected other Greens to be elected and hoped her party would hold some power in Ottawa, especially if it’s a minority government.

“I know we’re going to make a huge difference, and make things better,” she said. “I’m happy.”

May said the Greens decided to target 15 ridings where they had support. Those ridings are in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario and B.C.

She said she expected a minority Liberal government, but believed Vancouver Island would deliver Green votes, particularly in Victoria.

“This is always a place that is very committed to environmental values,” said May. “It’s a very committed, engaged community that supports Green values.”

The leader spent the final days of the campaign riding the Green Party bus the length of Vancouver Island, where the party has visions of capturing up to four of seven available seats, including May’s riding.

Vancouver Island is a traditional hotbed of Green-leaning voters and often votes in blocks against the national tide, also of benefit to the Greens.

Former CBC radio host Jo-Ann Roberts, a first-time candidate, has parlayed her community credibility into a formidable political force. She is challenging incumbent New Democrat MP Murray Rankin, the party’s environment critic, in the Victoria riding.