HALIFAX – Advance polls opened across Canada today and brought out long lines and wait times.
“Most people here are seniors and most people are complaining because it’s very hot, very crowded in that room,” said Marguerite Ratchford, who said she had to wait 90 minutes to vote at the Canada Games Centre.
Françoise Enguehard, a regional media advisor at Elections Canada, said she’s aware of the problem.
“We hear of long lineups, and people waiting to vote, having to wait to vote all across the country,” she said over the phone from Moncton, adding that the surge was not something that could have been anticipated. “We cannot judge how many people will come to vote.”
Enguehard didn’t confirm at the time of this writing if more help could be brought in, but said staff members are doing their best to fix the problem.
“This is really inefficient, the way it’s happening,” said Isaac Doucet, one of dozens of people in line. “We think it’s done intentionally to deter people from voting.”
Laura Paynter said she plans to vote on election day, but waited in line for her mother-in-law, seated nearby, who wanted to vote early.
First time voter Brandon Finyanos said the wait was worth it.
“There’s no time like the present. It’s going to ease the flow of traffic on election day, and that will allow as many people as possible to get through the process,” said the 19-year-old.
Advance polling stations are open Friday to Monday between noon and 8 p.m.
WATCH: Advance polls open ahead of Oct. 19 election
The federal election is set for October 19.
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