City growth, accessibility behind election poll issues

A professor at the University of Saskatchewan says there are good reasons behind problems at the polls this year.

Many people have complained their polling stations are too far away from their house.

"One of the things we have to realize is that, particularly in the case of Saskatoon, we've had that remarkable growth," said Joe Garcea, Political Studies professor at the University of Saskatchewan. "There are new geographic contexts that we have to deal with."

Garcea said Elections Canada has firm rules on the number of electors attached to a polling station, as well as other considerations, like accessibility for disabled people.

"Making sure they have buildings that are available and accessible and have parking and so on, becomes a significant challenge whenever you have major growth in a city," he said.

Garcea said recently redrawn ridings boundaries may also be playing a part.

As well, some people have complained about problems with this year's voters list. One woman was registered to vote 500 km away, despite living in Saskatoon for close to 20 years.

Elections Canada is asking everyone carefully check their voting card to make sure they are registered to vote at the correct address.

"They need to contact their local office," said Elections Canada spokesperson Marie-France Kenny. "We need people to look at their voter card right now, make sure the information is correct."

Voters can still register online or through their local Elections Canada office. They can also register to vote at their local polling station on election day.

Canadians head to the polls October 19.