Advance polls fall on Easter

By 
  • March 30, 2011

You could vote on Good Friday, Holy Saturday or even Easter Monday, but you don’t have to and nobody should take offence that Elections Canada has chosen dates for advance polling that coincide with Easter, said Philip Horgan.

“Let’s not get too bogged down in minutia when there are bigger issues at stake here,” said Horgan, president of the Canadian Catholic Civil Rights League.

The bigger issues for the league include documenting the voting records of MPs on issues such as euthanasia and appealing an Ontario judge’s decision that would decriminalize street prostitution and bawdy houses. So their noses should not be out of joint over a voluntary advance polling date.


Given that Good Friday is a statutory holiday and Easter Monday’s a holiday for many, the advance polling dates ahead of the May 2 federal election may allow for a better turnout among people who have trouble fitting a visit to the polls into their work schedule, Horgan said.

The schedule for advance polling is dictated by the Elections Canada Act, said Elections Canada spokesperson Grace Lake. People aren’t restricted to the official advance poll dates, said Lake.

Voters may cast a ballot by mail or in person at Elections Canada offices by special ballot if the advance dates aren’t convenient. Voters must apply for a special ballot voting kit by 6 p.m. April 26. Applications and information are available at www.elections.ca.

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