Preliminary data shows over 100,000 across 5 different Central Alberta ridings used advance polls to cast their ballot ahead of next week's federal election.
This week, Elections Canada revealed 7.3 million electors across the country voted at advance polls, which was a 25 per cent increase from the 5.8 million valid votes cast at advance polls in the previous federal election in 2021.
Advance polls for the 45th general election were open on Friday, April 18, Saturday, April 19, Sunday, April 20, and Monday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.
Here's how many people showed up to vote at advance polling stations within Central Alberta's electoral ridings:
— Red Deer riding: 21,733
— Battle River-Crowfoot: 14,434
— Leduc-Wetaskiwin: 24,796
— Ponoka-Didsbury: 27,715
— Yellowhead: 27,666
Ontario had the highest estimated turnout at advance poll among all provinces with nearly 2.8 million. Nearly 1.6 million people in Quebec and about 1.1 million people in British Columbia voted at advance polls, according to statistics released by Elections Canada. The data also shows an estimated 815,131 in Alberta voted at advance polls as well, compared to 646,090 in the 2021 federal election.
Just over 2.05 million electors voted on Friday, April 18, with 1.65 million voting on Saturday, April 19, 1.46 million voting on Sunday, April 20 and 2.1 million voting on Monday April 21.
Election Day is set for Monday, April 28, with polls open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Alberta. Voters must bring an accepted ID. People who have not yet registered can do so at their assigned polling station.
"Check your voter information card or use the online Voter Information Service to find your assigned polling station," states the Elections Canada website.
Mobile polls will serve electors in long-term care facilities and seniors' residences, with times varying for each institution.
For more information, visit www.elections.ca.
