Advance polling stations see lineups across Alberta
Albertans are lining up at advance polls around the province Friday to cast their ballot in the federal election.
Advance polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. until Thanksgiving Monday.
At the Calgary Centre advance polling station at the Military Museums on Crowchild Trail, there was a 15- to 20-minute wait to cast a ballot on Friday morning. Voters faced similarly long queues at the Airdrie Town and Country Centre.
Those at the advance polls at the Triwood Community Association were accepting of the lines.
"It was actually longer than I thought it would be, I was surprised to pull up and see the lot so full, and so many people out and I was really excited about that," said Jill Andres.
She thinks this election is critically important.
"This was the first time I put a ballot in the box and thought oh, please, please, please please."
Both Jory Cofield and Louise Rioux say advance polls are a convenient way to ensure they get to the ballot box in case election day is busy.
Long waits
Quito Maggi, the president of polling company Mainstreet Research, says it took him 45 minutes to vote. He says he had to fill out a form before casting his ballot.
"This is why we are hearing reports from across the country about two-hour, three-hour lineups [and] people walking away," he said. "This process is going to have a huge impact on voter turnout over the next four days."
Elections Canada says there is an "extra step," as a record of votes needs to be maintained. It is done by filling out a form that is signed by the voter and staff, but doesn't happen on election day.
Advance poll party
Joni Carroll celebrated her right to vote by inviting neighbours in Altadore over for a party. The group then went down to the advance polls together.
"I'm really hoping that we hit a high point in voter turnout this year," she said.
Where to vote
The addresses of advance poll stations in each riding are printed on the back of voter information cards sent to the house of every eligible voter. Voters can also find their station by entering their postal code at the Elections Canada website or by calling 1-800-436-6868.
Voters will need to show their driver's licence or another piece of government-issued ID that includes their current address. Those who don't have a driver's licence need to present two pieces of ID, at least one of which must show their address.
There are a few other ways to cast a ballot ahead of the Oct. 19 election:
- At Elections Canada offices by special ballot until Oct. 13 at more than 400 locations across the country.
- By mail until Oct. 13. Voters can apply to cast a ballot by mail.
