Long lines at polling stations across the country prompt adjustments at polling stations
Early voting lasts four days and coincides with an extended holiday weekend in April
The Election Commission of Canada announced today that voters broke a record for turnout on the first day of early voting – almost two million people went to the polls on Friday, the first of four days set aside for early voting in the federal election.
Many of them faced long lines at polling stations across the country.
The Election Commission says it will make certain adjustments at polling stations in the coming days to cope with the large number of voters.
In the last federal election in 2021, almost 5.8 million voters took advantage of the opportunity to vote early.
Early voting days coincide with the extended holiday weekend in April, and run until Monday, a week before the general election, which is scheduled for April 28.
Canadians vote for members of parliament, while local elections are called by the provinces independently of the federal government.
Several parties are participating in the election, including the leading Liberal Party of Canada, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, a former minister in the previous government, is also in the running.
He opposes Carney’s plans, criticizing the high cost of living and immigration under the previous government. He advocates for less regulation and lower taxes.