With the first round of voting in the NDP leadership closing this weekend, a new Mainstreet Research poll of members — 70 per cent of whom have already voted — shows Jagmeet Singh has widened his lead, with some help from Quebec and New Democrats under age 50.

In the field on Wednesday, Mainstreet polled a combination of provincial party lists (provincial NDP members are automatically federal members) and recent federal donors, reaching 1,601 of them, all of whom of were screened for membership. The poll’s margin or error is +/- 2 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

Mainstreet found Jagmeet Singh has 33.1 per cent support overall, up from 27.3 per cent earlier this month. Charlie Angus remains in second, at 26.1 per cent — slightly up from the last poll. Niki Ashton is at 15.5 per cent support, Guy Caron is at 12.8; both have increased their support.

Since the last poll there’s been a substantial decrease in undecided members: Only 12.8 per cent are unsure, compared to 25 per cent two weeks ago.

Singh, however, continues to have the weakest second-choice support, which is a potential point of vulnerability. At 23.6 per cent, Angus has the highest second-choice support, but almost nine per cent have no second choice and 12.3 per cent remain unsure.

Singh’s support is highest among those under 50: 63.1 per cent of New Democrats aged 18 to 34 rank him as their top choice, as do 70.1 per cent of 35 to 49-year-olds. Angus continues to do best with those over 65.

But one of the most notable results is Singh’s performance in Quebec. Many have wondered whether the practicing Sikh could overcome the province’s supposed discomfort with outward displays of religion.

Six in ten decided or leaning members in the province ranked Singh as their top choice, lending credence to Toronto Star columnist Chantal Hébert’s argument that it’s premature to assume the province would reject him.

Given that Singh has hinted he’s prepared to wait until 2019 to run for a seat in the Commons, Mainstreet asked members whether they think that’s problematic.

The results were almost evenly split: 36.6 per cent said they don’t think it’s necessary for the leader to have a seat in the House, while 35.3 per cent said a leader needs a seat. Almost one-third are unsure.

Mainstreet also asked members how they feel about the Liberals’ proposed small business tax changes, which continue to dominate headlines.

A slight majority approve, while just over one-fifth don’t and another one-fifth are unsure.

The first ballot of voting in the NDP leadership races closes at 2 p.m. on Saturday. If no candidate receives over 50 per cent, there will be a second round of voting.

Based on these results, that latter scenario appears likelier right now.