As Canada inches closer to its highly anticipated federal election on April 28, citizens across the nation are showing up in record numbers to cast their votes early. Advance polling stations opened on Friday, April 18, and are scheduled to remain open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Monday. Yet, what should be a convenient voting option has transformed into a test of patience, as long lines are being reported nationwide.
From Vancouver to St. John’s, voters are braving hours-long queues in order to have their voices heard. Some have described waiting times of up to two and a half hours, a scenario seldom seen in past elections. In Ottawa, James Knight shared his surprise at the turnout. “I vote all the time and I’ve never had to wait this long,” he remarked, noting the enthusiasm in the air. “It’s a big deal for Canada. People are tuned in and want to be counted.”
That sentiment was echoed by Peter Xing in Vancouver, who said the economy and global politics were key drivers in his decision to vote early. “We need strong leadership,” he emphasized, as he stood in line at a local polling station.
Momentum and Motivation
The timing of advance polls, which coincides with a holiday weekend, is allowing many Canadians—normally occupied with work—to head to the ballot box. That convenience, combined with high political engagement, appears to be behind the unusual turnout.
In St. John’s, Carl Aylward was blunt about his motivation. Referring to U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada could become America’s “51st state,” he said, “We’re not for sale. That’s why I’m here.”
Social media has lit up with posts ranging from praise to frustration. While many called the turnout “incredible” and “momentous,” others vented about the slow pace of ballot processing. Yet the overarching narrative is one of civic engagement—Canadians are showing up, even if it means standing outside in freezing temperatures, as voters did in Winnipeg early Friday.
Barbara Maguire, who arrived at a southeast Winnipeg polling station shortly after 9 a.m., found the line already snaking out the door. “This is a vital election for Canada,” she said, “and I’m thrilled to see the turnout.”
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Challenges and Adjustments
The heavy turnout has prompted some logistical strain. In response to the crowds, Elections Canada has deployed additional staff to polling stations experiencing bottlenecks. Dugald Maudsley, spokesperson for the agency, confirmed that more workers were being brought in to manage the surge. “There’s high interest across the country,” he said, adding that although early crowds are no guarantee of record overall turnout, all signs are pointing in that direction.
The challenges have been especially hard on seniors and those with mobility issues. In Prince George, B.C., Tracy Larson and her husband waited over two hours to vote. Her husband, who uses a walker, struggled through the experience, and she noted that some elderly voters simply gave up and left. “There were a lot of people who came up and just turned around,” she said.
Despite the hurdles, Elections Canada remains optimistic. The agency previously reported that more than 130,000 Canadians had already voted by special ballot—more than double the number at the same point during the 2021 election. Overseas voting kit requests have also surged, another indicator of the public’s heightened engagement.
Tips for Voters
To avoid the longest lines, Maudsley advises voters to visit polling stations before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. He also recommends bringing a voter information card, which can help speed up the process.
Those unable to vote during advance polls still have options. Voting will be held in hospitals and other healthcare facilities on Tuesday, which is also the deadline to apply to vote by mail or at a local Elections Canada office.
For more information on where and how to vote, citizens can visit Elections Canada’s website or call 1-800-463-6868.
As the country watches this democratic display unfold, one thing is clear: Canadians are more than willing to wait if it means having their say in shaping the nation’s future.
