Local News
Voters face long lines at advance polling stations across Canada
The federal general election is just around the corner on April 28, but advance polling stations opened Friday.
Stations will be open between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. over the Easter long weekend, on April 18, 19, 20, and 21.
1130 NewsRadio spoke to several voters who said there were long lines when they headed out to cast their advance ballots.
A listener named Anne tells us this is the first time she has ever seen a line at an advance polling station.
“A woman on staff at Dunbar [polling station] said it had been busy all day,” she said.
She went on to say, however, that the staff was very organized and moved people through the line efficiently.
A caller from the Fraser Valley named Rose also reported long delays.
“The lineups out in Surrey-Cloverdale area, they’re about a 45-minute wait,” Rose said.
“Some people are starting to leave the lineup and not going to vote.”
We also received a report that some voters at the Johnston Heights Secondary School polling station in Surrey were waiting 30 minutes or longer in the hot sun. Some people gave up and left the line, according to the report, with workers apologizing for delays.
Voters are reminded to bring ID as well as something proving where you live. Many people use a driver’s licence, but Nathalie de Montigny with Elections Canada says other forms are accepted.
“Most people will have a bank card or credit card that will prove who you are, and you can bring a utility bill or a bank statement or even your voter information card, and that will prove where you live,” she said.
She says e-statements may also be accepted.
Voters can check their voter information cards that were mailed out or use the Voter Information Service to locate their polling station.
There are also other opportunities to vote before the general election.
Elections Canada says special ballot voting is offered from April 20-22 at acute care facilities, including hospitals.
As well, on April 22, you can vote by special ballot at any local Elections Canada office until 6 p.m.
Other methods of voting are listed on the organization’s website and include sign language interpretation — but this needs to be done by April 22.
