Collection of ballots in the 2011 federal election officially began Friday as people across the country headed to advance polls, but many in the hotly contested Edmonton-Strathcona riding left without having their say because lineups meant a two-hour wait.
CTV cameras were not allowed into the station, but some who attempted to fulfill their democratic duty described the scene as chaotic.
"No we didn't vote – it's too long of a lineup," said Rebecca Starr. "I don't know if they aren't organized or if everyone is coming out to vote. I hope it's the latter."
Peter Schoenberg said he's never seen such a big election-time bottleneck, and he wasn't expecting to spend his Good Friday waiting to make his pick.
"The people didn't know what to do – they were learning they weren't organized," he said. "I've never taken that long to vote, ever, ever."
Incumbent Linda Duncan was the lone non-Conservative MP elected in Alberta back in October 2008 after she narrowly beat out longtime Tory Rahim Jaffer.
This time she's up against first-time Conservative candidate Ryan Hastman in the south-central Edmonton district.
Jim Lightbody, who works as a political scientist at the University of Alberta, says advance polls usually add up to eight to ten per cent of the overall voter turnout. He believes the strong showing in Old Strathcona is indicative of things to come.
"It would suggest that something is cooking," he said. "It can be a sense that your candidate is in danger and you better get to the polling station and be certain your vote is in in case you work on Election Day."
Those interested in advance polls can head to their identified voting station between noon until 8 p.m. on April 22, 23rd and 25th.
The address can be found by looking on your voter information card, by calling Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868 or by clicking here.
In order to vote, you must prove your identity and address.
With Files from Kevin Armstrong
