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As Canada approaches its federal election, citizens are showing up in impressive numbers for advance voting, leading to long lines across the country. Advance polling stations opened Friday and will remain operational from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Monday, ahead of the April 28 election day.
Voters in Ottawa, Vancouver, Toronto, and other major cities reported waiting up to two hours to cast their ballots. James Knight, voting in Ottawa, attributed the long wait not to inefficiency but to strong public engagement. “People are tuned in. It’s a big deal for Canada,” he said.
In Vancouver, Peter Xing noted that economic concerns and global politics were motivating factors. Similarly, in St. John’s, Carl Aylward cited recent controversial remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump as his reason to vote early: “We’re not for sale.”
Weather conditions didn’t deter the turnout. In freezing Winnipeg, Barbara Maguire said she was thrilled to see a packed polling station early in the morning. Meanwhile, in Prince George, B.C., Tracy Larson and her husband waited over two hours due to travel plans on election day, though she noted that some elderly voters were unable to endure the wait.
Elections Canada responded by deploying additional staff to alleviate bottlenecks. Spokesperson Dugald Maudsley confirmed that interest is unusually high, with special ballot requests and overseas voting kit applications both exceeding past elections.
Though early enthusiasm doesn’t guarantee a high total turnout, the signs so far point to strong voter engagement. Voters are advised to bring their voter information cards and to come early or late in the day to avoid the longest waits.
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