Advance polls open across the country Friday morning

Advance Polls Now Open Across Canada

With the federal election just 10 days away, advance polls are set to open on Friday, giving registered voters the opportunity to cast their ballots before April 28. This early voting period will run from April 18-21, with polling stations open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Registered voters should have received their voter information card in the mail by April 11, which will indicate their assigned polling station for advance voting. It’s important to note that your election day station may be different from your advance polling station. If you are unsure of your polling station location, you can check online or contact Elections Canada.

During a federal election, voters must cast their ballots at their assigned polling station, unlike provincial elections where voting can take place at any polling station within the province. However, if you are unable to vote in person, you can also vote by mail or in person by special ballot at your nearest Elections Canada office until April 22.

If you are unsure of your registration status, you can use Elections Canada’s online voter registration service to verify. Additionally, Elections Canada provides information for individuals voting under exceptional circumstances, such as those who are homeless, serving a prison sentence, or residing in a long-term care facility.

To avoid long lines, it is recommended to visit advance polling stations during off-peak hours. According to Elections Canada, the busiest times are typically between 10 a.m. and noon, as well as 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Traffic tends to slow down after 4 p.m.

Earlier data released by Elections Canada revealed that 130,000 Canadians had already voted by special ballot, which is offered to individuals who prefer not to wait until election day or the advance polling period. This option allows for greater flexibility in the voting process.