Advance polling stations see lineups across Alberta

Albertansare lining up at advance polls around the province Friday to cast their ballotin the federal election.

Advance pollswill be open from noonto 8 p.m. untilThanksgiving Monday.

At the Calgary Centre advance polling station at the Military Museums on Crowchild Trail, there was a 15- to20-minute wait to cast a ballot on Friday morning. Voters faced similarly long queues at theAirdrie Town and Country Centre.

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Those at the advance polls at the Triwood Community Association were accepting of the lines.

"It was actually longer than I thought it would be, I was surprised to pull up and see the lot so full, and so many people out and I was really excited about that," saidJill Andres.

She thinks this election is critically important.

"This was the first time I put a ballot in the box and thought oh, please, please, please please."

BothJoryCofield and Louise Rioux sayadvancepolls are a convenient way to ensure they get to the ballot box in case election day is busy.

Long waits

QuitoMaggi, the president of polling companyMainstreet Research,says it took him 45 minutes to vote. He says he had to fill out a form before casting his ballot.

"This is why we arehearing reports from across the country about two-hour, three-hour lineups [and]people walking away," he said."This process is going to have a huge impact on voter turnout over the next fourdays."

Elections Canada says there is an "extra step," as a record of votes needs to be maintained. It is done by filling out a form that is signed by the voter and staff, but doesn't happen on election day.

Advance poll party

Joni Carrollcelebratedher right to vote by inviting neighbours in Altadore over for a party. The group then went down to the advance polls together.

"I'm really hoping that we hit a high point in voter turnout this year," she said.

Advance poll party

9 years ago

Duration 0:55

A group of Calgarians got together in Altadore for an advance vote brunch party.

Where to vote

The addresses of advance pollstations in each riding are printed on the back ofvoter information cardssent to the house of every eligible voter.Voters can also find their stationby entering their postal code at the Elections Canada websiteor by calling 1-800-436-6868.

Voters will need to show their driver's licence or another piece of government-issued IDthat includes their current address. Thosewho don't have a driver's licence need to present two pieces of ID, atleast one of which must showtheir address.

There are a few other ways to cast a ballot ahead of the Oct. 19 election:

• At Elections Canada offices by special ballotuntil Oct. 13 at more than 400 locations across the country.
• By mail until Oct. 13.Voters can apply to cast a ballot by mail.