Elections Canada announces record turnout on 1st day of advance voting [Video]

Elections Canada has announced preliminary estimates that show nearly two million electors voted Friday, the first day of advance polls.

Representatives of the non-partisan agency said that’s a record turnout.

The announcement, which was posted on social media Saturday afternoon, came after Canadians reported long lines across the country on Friday. Some told CBC News on Friday they waited more than two hours to cast their ballots.

François Enguehard, a regional media advisor in the Atlantic region for Elections Canada, said the turnout is up 36 per cent from the first day of advance polling in the last election in 2021.

“It makes us very happy because that’s why 250,000 people plus all of Elections Canada staff — that’s what we work towards,” Enguehard said. “To see the uptake is really comforting for people who have done so much in the polling locations to make that happen.”