‘Stand up to Trump’: London, Ont. voters speak on election issues as advance polls open

Voters head to advance polls in London, Ont.

Advance polls opened Friday across the country, 10 days ahead of election day.

Registered voters can cast a ballot at their assigned polling station between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Friday through Monday Apr. 21.

In the riding of London West, dozens of voters cast a ballot in the first hour Friday morning at the Church of the Epiphany on Briscoe Street.

“This federal election is actually really important, especially with the international climate that we have going on, especially with our southern neighbours,” says voter Trevor Williams.

“I really think it’s important for us to consider actual Canadian sovereignty in this election and to consider a party that is actually going to take that seriously, with what’s going on with the (US President Donald) Trump administration down south.”

Williams says he’s a dual citizen with a lot of family in the US, and also a transgender individual.

“This whole thing has been very nerve wracking, and I don’t actually feel safe visiting family currently,” he adds.

Voter Laura Nicolson also had the US President on her mind while casting her vote.

“I think in Canada right now it’s Trump,” says Nicolson, referring to the biggest issue in this election.

“I think we need a very strong leader to stand up to him. (Mark) Carney seems to have the background and the credentials to do it. The second one (issue) is probably housing and homelessness is also important but the main issue right now that I think most of us are voting for is to stand up to Trump.”

One of the first ones through the door Friday morning was Igor Melkic.

“I’m here to have my voice heard and really to address affordability and the cost of living,” says Melkic.

“Honestly, I feel for young people because housing is unaffordable. Mortgages and everything is skyrocketing from grocery costs and everything.”

A voter information card - which registered voters should have received in the mail by April 11- gives the location of the assigned advance polling station.

Individuals will need an accepted form of identification, which could include:

• a driver’s licence or other government-issued card with photo, name and current address;
• two pieces of ID, including at least one with a current address -- for instance, a voter identification card and bank statement;
• or a written declaration along with someone who meets certain criteria to vouch for the voter’s identity.