Yesterday was a good day. We went to the advance poll to cast our vote, and the turnout was robust; in fact, the entire process took over an hour. Despite the long wait, almost everyone, young and old, able and disabled, remained, stoically standing as the lines snaked toward the ballot box.
Ours was not an isolated experience, as people are keenly aware of the importance of this election.
Canadians packed polling stations and stood in long lineups in cities across the country on Friday as advance voting in the upcoming federal election officially got underway.
A queue snaked outside the voting centre on Smythe Street in Fredericton, as people waited, some with their dogs, others with young children in strollers or holding their parents' hands.
Some were in line for more than 45 minutes to cast their vote on a sunny and cool spring afternoon.
“It feels more important to vote and make sure we keep having the country that we want,” said Nicole Bent, who is going to Nova Scotia for a few weeks and decided to vote early so she didn’t miss the chance to cast her ballot.
Bent said the election feels different this time because of recent actions and statements from United States President Donald Trump.
She voted Liberal.
“It’s voting for the man, not the party. Which man we want in there,” said Bent, referring to party leader Mark Carney.
Mark Kunkle, who also voted in Fredericton, said he runs his own business and the first day of voting seemed like a quiet and good day to go to the polls.
“Well, all elections are important, but in this particular case, it's pretty, pretty important because the future (of the country) is going to be decided,” said Kunkle, who came to the poll with his dog.
One quick note: if the long lineups deter you, be aware that you can go to any Elections Canada office to cast your advance vote. A friend of mine chose that option yesterday as his wife is temporarily disabled and could not vote at their advance poll because of a 45-minute wait. You will find all of the information for this option on your voter registration card or by clicking here.
