BURST
People heading to the polls to cast an advance ballot for the federal election Friday were met with hours-long lineups at some voting stations.
Advance polling stations opened Friday at 9 a.m. and about half an hour in, a queue stretched outside Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Centre in downtown Vancouver where there’s an estimated two-hour wait.
When doors opened at the community centre at 9 a.m., there was already a queue of about 100 people, said staff
The line deterred some voters who did not want to wait, including a senior with a cane who came in, took a look at the line, and turned around to go home.
Staff could be heard apologizing, saying “we only have four tables.” They advised people waiting in line to consider coming back after supper when they expect lines to be shorter.
Unlike the recent Vancouver byelection, where voters waited up to three hours to cast a ballot for two vacant council seats, Elections Canada does not provide quicker access for seniors or families with young children.
Advance voting in the West End in Vancouver stretches one block up Haro street! #canadavotes2025 #CanadaVote
— Kevin Spenst (he/him) (@kevinspenst) April 18, 2025
If our voting experience is any indication, expect a heavy turnout in the Canadian federal election. We were in line for 2.5 hours at an advance poll today.
— Clay Connor (@clayconnor) April 18, 2025
Polls are open until 9 p.m. tonight, and will be open throughout the Easter long weekend until April 21.
The election day is scheduled for April 28.
More to come …
With files from Doug Quan