Alberta election advance polls open until Saturday

Election Day is on Monday April 23, but the advance polls opened Thursday morning for voters who can't or don't want to wait.

Some stations had lineups while others were a virtual ghost town.

"I'm urging people to just get out and voice their opinions,” said voter Jo-Anne de Repentigny, adding it's the only time they have a say in what's going on with the government.

It was a message on the lips of several voters casting ballots this morning.

"I always do,” said Hazel Hopkins. “Every time they have advance [polls] I come out because I don't want to be in the lineups."

And some say it's the only day they can make it.

"Well, unfortunately we're not going to be here on Monday," said Catherine Ford.

Turnout varied depending on the station.

In Calgary-Elbow where Progressive Conservative Leader Alison Redford is running, several hundred had showed up or voted by special mail-in ballot within the first few hours.

It was the same story at a polling station in the Edmonton neighbourhood of Bonnie Doon on Thursday evening. Voters turned out in droves, with many saying they plan to be out of town on Monday or want to avoid the possibility of waiting in long lines on voting day.

But at a polling station in Calgary-Mountain View, the riding previously held by Liberal candidate David Swann, voters were trickling in.

Duane Bratt, a political scientist at Mount Royal University, says early turnout isn't a good indicator of what will happen on Monday.

"Advance polls tend to be your most dedicated voters to make sure they vote ... and get out there."

But Bratt believes overall voter turnout will be up dramatically from 2008's record low 41 per cent.

"Just because it's a competitive election,” he said. “Competitive elections draw voters."

Bratt's prediction is in line with the results of a new poll, which found that 64 per cent of Albertans asked said it is extremely likely they'll cast a ballot in this election.

Residents are eligible to vote they're Canadian Citizens, 18 years of age or older, who have lived in Alberta for the past six months.

All eligible voters should have received a registration card in the mail. Otherwise, Elections Alberta says bring along proper ID in order to cast a ballot.

Advance polls are open through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. MT, and may be different from polling stations on election day.

Elections Alberta says anyone who is in line at an advance polling station by 8 p.m. will be able to cast a ballot.

You can find your advance station on your voter card, in the local newspaper or online at elections.ab.ca.

Elections Alberta said it won't know the advanced poll numbers until Monday night.