As Canada's 45th federal election approaches on April 28, Elections Canada opened polling stations nationwide during the Easter long weekend (April 18–21) to facilitate early voting. The first day witnessed large crowds, with some voters waiting up to two hours to cast their ballots. Many described the election as one of the most critical in decades, emphasizing the need to "demonstrate a united front against U.S. President Donald Trump's confrontational policies."
Voters arriving with their notification cards streamlined the identity verification process, though delays persisted due to high turnout. "This election is about safeguarding Canada's sovereignty," said one Ontario voter, referencing Trump's threats of tariffs and perceived attempts to undermine Canadian autonomy.
Polling stations operated from 9 am to 9 pm across all provinces, with seasoned voters noting unprecedented enthusiasm. "I've never seen lines this long," said a young Montreal resident. On social media, young Canadians hailed the turnout as "incredible" and "historically significant," with many first-time voters participating. Some traveling overseas for work also opted to vote early.
In Toronto, Albert, a white-collar worker, criticized the outdated paper-based verification system. "Provinces using electronic systems are faster. Here, staff manually check voter rolls, which slows things down," he said. Still, Chen acknowledged heightened engagement across demographics, attributing it to widespread frustration over Trump's trade policies. "This momentum favors the Liberals," he added.
Notably, some traditional Conservative supporters, like Vancouver-based Hong Kong immigrant Simon, shifted allegiance. "I fear the Conservatives would appease Trump. The Liberals seem tougher," Simon explained.
Spokesperson confirmed additional staff were deployed to manage overcrowded stations. While early voting numbers don't guarantee higher overall turnout, the spokesperson projected a "higher-than-average participation rate," citing over 130,000 mail-in ballots already received-more than double the 2021 election's figures.
Analysts suggest the polarized global climate and Trump's rhetoric have galvanized Canadians, with many viewing the election as a referendum on national resilience. As campaigns intensify, all eyes remain on whether the early surge signals a decisive mandate for the incumbent Liberals or an unexpected shift.
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