Poilievre’s Carleton riding had the most advanced voting in Canada

The recent federal election saw a surge in early voter turnout in Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s rural Ottawa riding of Carleton. According to data released by Elections Canada, nearly 44,000 votes were cast from April 18 to 21 in Poilievre’s long-held riding, which represents more than 40 percent of the total number of voters on Elections Canada’s list.

In the 2021 election, a total of 71,000 people voted in Carleton, with approximately 31,000 opting for advance voting. This significant increase in early voting comes amidst reports suggesting Poilievre may be at risk of losing his seat. Additionally, Carleton has been at the center of a protest for electoral reform, with a total of 90 candidates registered to run in the riding.

Nepean, another Ottawa riding with a five-candidate field that includes Liberal Leader Mark Carney, ranked fifth in advanced voting with around 32,700 ballots cast. Similarly, Ottawa Centre made it to the top 10 list with approximately 32,600 early votes. Lanark-Frontenac ranked 17th, while Kanata secured the 29th spot.

Overall, a record-breaking 7.3 million Canadians cast their ballots over the long weekend, marking a 25 percent increase from the previous election in 2021.

Here is a list of the top 10 ridings with the highest early voter turnout:
1. Carleton – 43,394 votes
2. Saanich-Gulf Islands – 37,468 votes
3. Essex – 34,668 votes
4. Calgary Crowfoot – 33,743 votes
5. Nepean – 32,689 votes
6. Ottawa Centre – 32,604 votes
7. Courtenay-Alberni – 32,536 votes
8. Burlington – 31,868 votes
9. Northumberland-Clarke – 31,357 votes
10. South Surrey-White Rock – 31,269 votes

The high early voter turnout in these ridings reflects the increased engagement and interest in the federal election, as Canadians across the country exercise their democratic right to vote.