Bring your own pencil: Advance polls open in Simcoe Muskoka with new safety measures
Many voters in Barrie took the first opportunity to cast their ballot, with long lines forming outside polling stations Friday as advanced voting got underway.
Experts say much remains unknown in what has already been an election unlike any other.
A visiting politics professor at York University says voters are going to notice COVID-19 safety measures in place.
"There will be a bit longer lines, there'll be social distancing, they are going to take some information so they can do contact tracing," says Michael Johns. "So everyone who is going to vote needs to be prepared that it might take just a little bit longer."
Polls opened across the country at 9 a.m. Friday, with some voters in Barrie saying they waited 40 minutes to cast their ballot.
Complete local federal election coverage is available on CTVBarrieNews.ca.
Aside from new safety measures delaying procedures, part of the issue is school boards across Simcoe Muskoka have opted out of hosting polling stations, saying it goes against COVID-19 protocols, leading to fewer voting locations.
In Barrie-Springwater-Oro Medonte, there are 65 locations, compared to 75 in 2019. It's a similar story in the riding of Barrie-Innisfil, where there are 31 compared to 35 in the most recent election.
But with so much on the line, some voters tell CTV News it's still worth it.
"It's too important for people today to come out and do their vote," says June Torres, who cast her ballot ahead of an upcoming trip. "They have to make their voices heard and be sure that they get that all-important vote in."
MAIL-IN BALLOTS
Experts anticipated a surge in mail-in ballots with the COVID-19 pandemic in the midst of the fourth wave, but uptake appears to be less than first expected.
In Barrie-Springwater-Oro Medonte, just over 2,000 mail-in kits had been requested, with only slightly more requested in the riding of Barrie-Innisfil.
Johns says turnout, whether at the advanced polls or by mail, will be significant in terms of the overall outcome.
"If the numbers are really low, if people are not going to take the time to do the mail-in ballots and aren't comfortable going in and voting, then it changes the election," Johns says. "It changes the election into a get out the vote campaign where you are desperately trying to get out everyone you know that supports your party."
Advanced polls are open daily, 9 a.m to 9 p.m, throughout the weekend and Monday. The deadline to request a mail-in kit is 6 p.m. Tues., Sept. 14.
Those voting in-person must make sure to bring their voter card, a piece of identification and a mask.
Elections Canada is also asking people to bring their own pencil, however, there will be single-use options available.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.