Federal election 2015: Calgary polls crowded before voting closed

UPDATE: Polls have now closed across Alberta. Read our main election story for an overview ofthe latestresults in Calgary and southern Alberta or tune into our live blog for the latest updates from CBC reporters on the ground throughout the province.

The polls have now closed afterCalgarianscast their ballots in Canada's42ndgeneral election.

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Polling stations wereopen from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. across the province.

When the polls opened at this morning, GraceHosackwas one of the first in line to cast a ballot.

"It's finally over," she said of the marathon campaign.

Others at thepolling station at Sacred Heart School in Calgary Centreechoed that sentiment, relievedto see the end after 78 days of politicians vying for votes.

"I just want to have it over. Just want to make my vote and see the results," said Ken Montgomery.

Montgomery figures the lengthy campaign, along with the tight race, may help voter turnout.

"I think a lot more people got engaged, just from the advanced polls that's an indication that people are interested in this election."

Up and down

Political scientist Lori Williams says through the long election campaign, all the federal parties have been up and down in opinion pollssomething unusual which has caught the public's attention.

"The fact it's different,the fact that we don't know who's going to win, means that it's a little bit more exciting or perhaps troubling for some people," Williamssaid.

On theSiksikareserve east of Calgary, the polling station temporarily ran out of ballots in the afternoon.

SpokespersonLeanneNyirfasays that was due to higher than expected turnout and that a returning officerwas getting more ballots.

Voters were asked to be patient and wait about 20 minutes until the ballots arrived.

In Calgary, many polling stations were quiet throughout the daybut filled upas people left work.

Lineups were spotted atConnaughtSchool in theBeltlineand St. Mary's Hall in Mission.

Unlike recentfederal elections, many observers believed some ridings in Calgary could be in play.

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During the campaign, candidates have been focused on convincing swing voters to pledge their support. Now, it's all about getting them to the polls, says independent pollster Janet Brown.

"On election day the strategy changes. You zero in on your core support, you zero in on those people that you are absolutely certain they will vote for you, and you get them out to vote," she said.

"And if you do a better job getting your base out, that's what's going to win it for you on election day."

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Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi says he was excited to vote in the federal election.

"After this long, divisive, challenging, difficult campaign, I just thought, what a privilege it is to be able to go and cast my ballot. And it did it first thing this morning. And I feel great about this place we live, and I hope everybody does too," he said.

There are close to 2.7 million registered voters in Alberta, according toElections Canada,with835,249 in Calgary alone.

Elections Canada expectedthere would be a heavy voter turnout for Monday's election. Some early-morning slowness on itswebsiteseemed to bear out that prediction.

The agency says returning officers are able to bring in more staff if lineups get too long.

You can follow alongliveon our election results page, which CBC Newswill be updating continuouslyon Monday night as the ballots are counted.