We heard a few reports from residents today about long lines at advance polling stations in Ottawa. Here’s a letter from a reader who says she waited in line about 90 minutes to vote at the Johnny Leroux Arena.
I went to vote today in Carleton riding and was deeply disappointed by the set up that Elections Canada had.
For my constituents in my area of the riding, there was only one booth assembled. While people were heading into the polls in droves (awesome!), the estimated 1-2 hour wait to vote meant that, for every one person heading in to vote, there were easily 15 turning away and saying they may not be able to come back and vote after all.
Many of people leaving were elderly (too challenging to stand for that long), working class (need to go back to work), or parents of young children (too difficult to keep kids occupied for that long).
This is absolutely shameful and a complete affront to democracy. Voting needs to be accessible for all people, regardless of ability, age, or class. Give Elections Canada a call (1-800-463-6868) or fill out an accessibility survey to tell them this is unacceptable!
Tori Roberts
Stittsville
https://twitter.com/ElainespElaine/status/652566896051662849
@glen_mcgregor In Richmond -35min wait. People from Munster,Ashton & Stittsville in line, while those living 2 blocks away go to North Gower
— Marni (@MarniMarn) October 9, 2015
@cbcallinaday 1 hour 23 min to vote this aft in stittsville for my dad
— Cailin Hudson (@mrsnickcharney) October 9, 2015
.@hill_johnstone @CBCOttawa 1hr 15min in #Stittsville. Only had one ballot box and wouldn’t start processing next person until previous done
— ɹǝpuɐxǝl∀ ǝʞıW 🇨🇦 (@mikealex42) October 9, 2015
https://twitter.com/Lamsim1/status/652538770818883584