Good Friday is Good First Day for Polls

Elections Canada says early reports indicate polls were busy as eager voters came out on their day off work.

The first day of advance polls for the May 2 federal election, held on Good Friday – a statutory holiday – turned out to be busy. Although official numbers for the turnout won't be available until next week, Elections Canada spokesman James Hale said anecdotal reports from across the country seemed to indicate the polls did a steady business. Most advance poll voters said they came out early due to the convenience, while others said their minds were already made up. Advance polls are organized in exactly the same manner as on election day, so voters must be registered to vote and be able to prove their identity and address. During the last election in 2008, more than 1.5 million Canadians cast their vote at advance polling stations.