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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.