Voters hit local polling stations for advance voting ahead of federal election

Advance polling is open and some people in Waterloo Region are already casting their ballots for the federal election.

Voters in Waterloo Region are turning out to cast their ballots early as advance voting opened April 18 ahead of the federal election.

From urban centres to rural ridings, polling stations across the region saw a steady stream of residents taking advantage of the early voting option — some citing convenience, travel plans or simply wanting to avoid potential crowds on election day.

“Just to get ahead of the game so I can get make sure my vote counts and gets in,” said John Bryndza, an early voter.

“This is the most anxious I think I’ve ever felt for an election,” said voter, Sharla Finn. “I went to listen to every candidate and person. I want to vote with what I feel is right in my heart. And again, I don’t want to hesitate. So that’s why I want to advance vote, to make sure I don’t miss it.”

Elections Canada opened advance polls Friday, with voters able to cast their ballots through the long weekend. The agency is encouraging Canadians to check their voter registration cards or visit its website to confirm polling station hours and locations.

Some voters said they chose to vote early due to concerns over long lines or scheduling conflicts closer to election day.

“My dad decided to come out and do it today because we’re staying local for Easter so I decided to come,” explained Devyn Ellis, an early voter. “It’s good to vote. It’s important to vote.”

“You never know how you’re going to feel that day,” said Judy McColm, another early voter. “My son-in-law today said last time he was voting, he was sick and they didn’t get to vote at all. I thought, we’re feeling good. It’s a nice day. Let’s do it today.”

While some arrived knowing exactly who they were voting for, others said they had only recently made up their minds.

“I want somebody who’s going to care for people who are more disadvantaged,” said voter, Paul McColm. “I voted for different parties over my life, probably about four different parties I voted for over my life. The party I voted for today, I voted for it most of the time. It’s the one I voted for when I was 18. And now I’m 80.”

Top issues on voters’ minds include the rising cost of living, healthcare and housing affordability - themes that have dominated the campaign trail in recent weeks.

“I think one of the obvious things is a little bit more of our tax dollars being used more for our cities, for our streets in Canada,” said Finn. “I believe in charity, I do believe in helping others but I do believe in helping home first so that we have the power to give outside of Canada.”

“Probably the prices, groceries, cost of living, stuff like that,” said Ellis.

“Housing is a big problem in Waterloo Region, and I hope that gets looked after, after this election,” said Paul.

“The economy, violence, and I think things are changing now because what’s happening in the United States, and I think we all have to make our adjustments one way or another,” explained Bryndza. “I think Canada is a big part of that, to make an adjustment to Canada. Rather than bashing the United States, we have to work with them because they’re our biggest trading partner. And if they go down or they go under, so are we. We have to have careful negotiations and be strong about being Canadian, but we can’t just get blocked over by the Americans, we have to set what we want and what we’re going to do here in this county.”

Advance polls will remain open through Monday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time. Voters are reminded to bring valid ID and their voter information card, if they have one.

The federal election is set for April 28, with results expected to roll in after polls close nationwide.