Ridings across the region report significant jump in early voter turnout
The pandemic didn't stop people from getting out and voting at the advance polls, with many local ridings reporting an increase in early turnout.
"Advanced polling has been very busy," said Rejean Grenier, Elections Canada.
The Barrie-Innisfil riding saw roughly 6,000 more people cast their ballots over the weekend than in the advanced polling in 2019.
Four other local ridings also reported a significant jump in voter turnout from the last election, while Simcoe North saw a slight dip.
Some residents say they are using the next five days until election night to decide who will get their vote.
"It's still up for debate," said Barrie resident Darrien Larose.
Complete coverage of the 44th Federal Election is available on CTVBarrieNews.ca.
A visiting politics professor with York University said these last remaining days are critical for candidates.
"The last few days are sort of the closing arguments, and so it does matter, particularly in an election that looks like the two biggest parties are very close to one another. Not just national, but within a lot of ridings," explained Michael Johns, visiting politics professor at York University. "This will be when people make their minds up."
Elections Canada said voters should expect longer than typical waits than in previous years because it only has about 78 per cent of the staff needed for election day.
"We can still run an election with that number of people, but lineups are going to be longer, and people are going to have to wait," Grenier said.
Voters will head to the polls on Monday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian army veteran charged with murder after mass shooting in Belize nightclub
A Canadian Armed Forces veteran has been charged with murder in connection to a mass shooting in Belize that left two people dead and eight others injured.

More Canadians report strong attachment to their language than to Canada: poll
A new survey finds more Canadians report a strong attachment to their primary language than to other markers of identity, including the country they call home.
B.C. actress hit in the chest by bullet in L.A. shooting last month
A B.C. performer is recovering after taking a bullet to the chest in Los Angeles last month.
Social media model arrested in Hawaii on murder charge
Law enforcement in Hawaii on Wednesday arrested social media model Courtney Clenney on a charge of second-degree murder with a deadly weapon.
Well-known Brampton, Ont. real estate agent, media personality savagely attacked outside home
A well-known real estate agent and media personality in Brampton, Ont. was viciously attacked in broad daylight in his own driveway by three men, two of whom appeared to be wielding an axe and a machete.
Saskatoon mother accused of faking death says she 'was left with no choice'
A Saskatoon mother who stands accused of faking her own death, as well as her son's, and illegally entering the U.S. is defending her actions.
Russia seemingly struggles to replenish its troops in Ukraine
As Russia continues to suffer losses in its invasion of Ukraine, now nearing its sixth month, the Kremlin has refused to announce a full-blown mobilization — a move that could be very unpopular for President Vladimir Putin. That has led instead to a covert recruitment effort that includes using prisoners to make up the manpower shortage.
Mint to unveil coin commemorating Canadian jazz legend Oscar Peterson
The Royal Canadian Mint is launching a special coin celebrating late music legend Oscar Peterson.
Dutch farmer protests and what's happening in Canada, explained
The ongoing protests in the Netherlands, by farmers opposed to their government’s plan to slash nitrogen oxide emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, have drawn attention to Canadian farmers’ concerns over an emissions reduction target set by the Canadian government. But the policies set out by the Dutch government and the Canadian government are fundamentally different, experts say.