Vernonites lining up to cast an early vote in the 2025 Federal Election Monday, April 21 (Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Early Voting

Voters face some waits to cast early ballots in Vernon

Apr 21, 2025 | 1:51 PM

Local voters lined up for the final advanced polling day Monday.

While visiting a polling station at the recreation centre, Vernon Matters learned that there was about an hour long wait to cast an early ballot for the April 28 federal election. As of noon Monday, there was a line of people reaching out of the rec centre and nearly to the sidewalk.

People lined up at the Vernon Recreation Centre to cast an early vote in the 2025 Federal Election Monday, April 21 (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

Vernon Matters also visited the Schubert Centre polling station, where the lineup was contained to within the building. Voters said it took about 15 minutes to get through the whole process.

There was no lineup outside the Schubert Centre early voting station Monday, April 21 (Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

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Speaking with people on the street, Vernon Matters heard how important this election was to them.

Voters were concerned about U.S. tariff threats, the economy, and a growing division among Canadians, and believed the country needed a leader that could address those issues.

People also said they were happy to wait, as that meant a larger turnout and more people participating in the democratic process.

Vernon Matters also heard that there were hour long waits for early voting over the weekend as well.

Advanced voting at polling stations ends at 9 p.m. Monday, April 21.

People can find where to cast their ballot on their voter card. However, the public can also vote at any Elections Canada office by Tuesday, April 22 at 6 p.m. using the special ballot process or they can apply to vote by mail online or at any Elections Canada office by that same 6 p.m. deadline on Tuesday. Once you apply to vote by mail, you can’t change your mind and vote at advance polls or on election day.

General voting day takes place Monday, April 28.

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