Record advance voting turnout on day one: Elections Canada

Elections Canada has reported a record-breaking start to advance voting, with nearly two million electors casting ballots on the first day, according to preliminary estimates.

The non-partisan agency made the announcement Saturday, following widespread reports of long lines at polling stations across the country on Friday.

The turnout reflects a 36% increase from the first day of advance voting during the 2021 federal election.

“This is what 250,000 people and all of Elections Canada staff work toward,” said François Enguehard, regional media advisor for the Atlantic region. “To see this level of participation is encouraging and a testament to Canadians’ engagement in this election.”

During the 2021 election, 5.8 million Canadians voted early, with a total turnout of 62.6% from over 17 million registered voters.

This year’s advance voting period runs from April 19 to 21, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., at assigned polling stations listed on voter information cards.

Some electors described Friday’s experience as the longest wait they’ve had, with queues reportedly exceeding two hours in Ottawa, Vancouver’s West End, and Langley, B.C.

“I vote all the time and I’ve never had to wait this long,” said Ottawa voter James Knight, who speculated the delays were due to increased turnout rather than poor planning.

Others, like Barb Stroll in Metro Vancouver, welcomed the delays. “Hopefully it's a sign of things to come, and a sign of things for change,” she said.

Voters can verify polling station details via the Elections Canada website or by calling 1-800-463-6868.

Despite the early rush, officials say it's too soon to predict whether the high advance turnout will translate to an overall increase in election participation.