Elections Canada says voter turnout is up 34 per cent from 2011, with over 1.6 million people voting in the first two days alone.
“It’s fantastic. I think it’s a sign people are really active and people really want a strong Canada,” said one voter at an advance polling station on Monday.
Thanksgiving Monday marked the last chance for Canadians to take advantage of early voting, as the 78-day marathon campaign reaches its final leg.
Based on the latest Nanos Research polls, the Liberals are in the lead nationally.
In Atlantic Canada, the party has 52.9 per cent support. The NDP sit at 21.3 per cent, while the Conservatives are at 16.5 and the Greens at 9.3.
“I think people really see some potential in some upcoming leaders and some people want to see a change federally,” said voter Darlene Brewer.
Brady Wallsten was another voter on Monday. He says he’s noticed a movement to get the younger demographic to the polls.
“This is my first federal election to vote in. I voted provincial and municipal before. I think on a federal level, more people buy into it,” said Wallsten.
Other voters like John Sylliboy hope to see more indigenous voters.
“Personally, I’m interested in the aboriginal vote, so I’m hoping that we take a lot of participation in this. Whether or not that’s in Halifax or our First Nation communities, we need the vote,” he said.
Some voters are ready for the marathon campaign to wrap up.
“Yes, I’m definitely ready for it to be over,” said one voter.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelly Linehan.
