WINNIPEG — It seems a lot of Winnipegger’s were all thinking the same thing, vote early.
Advance polls opened Friday at noon and by 1:30 p.m. there were line-ups and wait times that stretched more than a hour long.
“I waited an hour and 25 minutes from getting in to casting my ballet,” said one voter in Osborne Village.
“A number of people have come and left,” said Peter Sanderson, who was waiting for his daughter to vote. “Some folks tell them it’s an hour and half wait and they come back later.”
While waiting, Sanderson met another voter Peter Domok, and after an hour the two were laughing and having a good time.
“You’re Peter too,” laughed Domok after learning Sanderson’s name. The two men shake hands and laugh, “this is the first time we’ve met.”
Political Analyst Royce Koop says he’s not surprised by the high turn out.
“I think last time most people could see Mr. Harper heading towards a victory, this time we don’t know,” said Koop. “One party looks to be ahead in the polls right now but it’s really a close race, and close races drive up turn out.”
It’s the longest election campaign in Canadian history and Koop says people are eager to get it over with.
Advance polls are open all weekend including Monday from noon to 8 p.m. You must bring two pieces of ID to vote. To find your polling station go to www.elections.ca.
Election day is October 19.
Comments