Islanders enthusiastic to vote in 45th federal election, report smooth process at polls

Vancouver Islanders reported a smooth process at the polls as they cast their ballots in Canada's 45th general election Monday.

After five weeks of campaigning, eligible voters on Vancouver Island are turning out in droves to join a record 7.3 million people who took part in advance polls and have their say in Canada’s federal election.

“Every desk had somebody at it,” says Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke voter Wendy Jones. “I think everybody really wants to vote in this election, so I hope everybody does come out.”

Folks at island-based polls in Victoria, Saanich and Nanaimo found the process of voting quick and smooth at their respective stations.

“Everything was great,” says Victoria voter Galina Miroshaknov.

“(I) just walked right in,” says Stan Luzzi in Saanich.

“Very spacious, so well organized. I love it,” adds Jen Stadler.

Canadians are deciding which party will soon form the country’s 45th government after a dynamic campaign where Canada-U.S. relations dominated the national conversation.

“Everybody (is) scared about Trump,” says Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke voter Joga Gill.

Leaders have put forward their plans to stand up to U.S. President Donald Trump, who has started a trade war and threatened to make Canada the 51st U.S. state.

“I do feel a little bit of anxiety in terms of how this is going to all play out and who’s going to end up winning,” says Nanaimo-Ladysmith voter Jordan Riopka.

In the final weekend of the campaign, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Liberal Leader Mark Carney were again on the mid and south island respectively. Poilievre was targeting a former NDP stronghold that’s seen as up for grabs this year, while Carney was in Green Pary co-Leader Elizabeth May’s riding in Saanich-Gulf Islands.

“If you’re visiting those areas in the final stages, it’s because you believe that you can get some seats,” says Research Co president Mario Canseco. “I think the Liberals really believe that they can take back the Victoria seat that they held earlier in the century. The Conservatives believe they also have a shot not only in North Island-Powell River but in other areas of the island as well.”

BC Transit is offering free rides aboard its buses to help get folks to the polls.

“Especially with four grandkids, it’s their future that we’re really voting for,” says Luzzi. “Climate is one of the big ones for me, and housing, health care.”

“Hopefully we’ll see some changes. And yeah, I think each vote counts,” says Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke voter Jen Stadler.

Eligible voters have until 7 p.m. to cast their ballots.

“It’s our civic duty to do so. And it’s a privilege as well,” says Helene in Victoria.