OTTAWA 鈥� The opening day of advance polls brought out a big increase in the number of voters casting ballots ahead of the Oct. 19 election.
Elections sa国际传媒 estimates about 850,000 people voted on Friday, the first day of advance polls 鈥� a 26 per cent increase from the first day of advance polls in the 2011 election and a 90 per cent increase from the first day of advance polls in 2008.
Long lineups were reported Friday at polling stations across sa国际传媒. In Greater Victoria, .
There were concerns that the Conservative government鈥檚 changes to election laws to tighten identification requirements could create snags for certain Canadians, but Elections sa国际传媒 said it has been trying to ensure everyone who wants to vote would get a chance to do so.
Advance polls are open throughout the Thanksgiving long weekend.
For information on locations and hours, refer to your voter registration card, go to elections.ca or call 1-800-463-6868.
Are you voting this weekend?
We鈥檙e looking for your experiences of long lines and delays at polling stations this weekend. Share your story by emailing [email protected].
Put the words 鈥渁dvance polls鈥� in the subject line.
