7.3 Million Canadians Vote Early in Federal Election, Setting Record

A record-breaking 7.3 million Canadians, approximately a quarter of eligible voters, cast ballots in advance polls for the federal election, marking a 25% increase over 2021 early voting figures. Advance polling, which ran over a four-day long weekend, saw unusually long lines, with over two million voting on Friday alone—the highest single-day turnout in Elections Canada’s history. Mail-in voting is also up compared to the last election, with more than 754,000 special ballots submitted ahead of election day. Experts note that while early voting is increasingly common, its rise does not necessarily indicate higher overall turnout or favor any particular party. Current polls show the Liberal party, led by Mark Carney, holding a five-point lead over Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre as the campaign enters its final days. The election takes place amid concerns over US-Canada trade tensions and ongoing debates about government spending.