Election Day 2021

• 44th election is today
• Polling stations have covid precautions in effect
• today determines the leading federal party of Canada.

The 44th general election is underway, the first national vote ever to take place during a pandemic.

Polling stations are dealing with large groups of people with Covid protocols in place.

At the Capital News Centre at 4105 Gordon St. voters were led via bright yellow signs, arrows, and volunteers positioned at the front of the building, to direct them to the side bay door.

Lining up along the wall, volunteers sorted voters into their respective line ups according to the number on their voting card. Large plexiglass dividers and metal railings were set up as well as stickers on the floor encouraging social distancing.

Other precautions in place, as per public health guidelines, include mask wearing, as well as hand washing stations, and hand sanitizer.

Voters follow a one-way system by entering the side door and exiting through the main doors.

Voters we spoke to felt the process was not slowed down by all the precautions.

“It was very smooth. I walked right in and voted and walked right out,” Justin said. “Seemed well staffed, well trained, it was a very good experience. I was in and out in five minutes.”

Trish and Wendy, who went together, echoed the same sentiment.

“Super easy, just walk in, they give you the form, do it and that’s it. Done. Just a well-oiled machine,” Trish said.

“It was very seamless. Easy and actually not very busy and well done,” Wendy said.

Christopher, who works at the hospital and has seen the realities of Covid-19 infections, was satisfied with the experience as well.

“It was simple. Went in there did my thing and came out. No hassle, nothing. Pretty simple, straight forward. [It took] about 2 minutes.”

He was also happy with the social distancing.

“Yeah it was good, two meters away from everyone, you had the handwash station, everything was fine.”

The polls close today at 7pm Pacific time. For more information Canadians can go to https://www.elections.ca/content2.aspx?section=vote&document=index&lang=e