Election day in Calgary: what voters need to know before going to the polls

Millions of voters across Canada are going to the polls on Monday to choose a new federal government.

Polling stations opened at 7:30 a.m. and will close at 7:30 p.m. in Alberta. Canadians can find out where to go to vote in their riding on the Elections Canada website, or by calling Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868.

The list of candidates for the 37 ridings around Alberta has been set for weeks in a recently updated electoral map. Riding boundaries are updated every 10 years to reflect population changes, with the most recent change coming since that last federal vote four years ago. 

Some Alberta ridings have seen significant changes to their boundaries, such as Yellowhead along the province's western border. There are also two new southern Alberta ridings — Airdrie-Cochrane and Calgary McKnight, which is largely taken from the southern portion of Calgary Skyview.

In 2021, Calgary and the rest of southern Alberta went almost entirely Conservative blue, with the lone exception of Calgary Skyview, where voters elected a Liberal MP.

This year, the most hotly contested ridings in Calgary that analysts will be watching are in Centre, Confederation, McKnight and Skyview.

Voters will need to prove their identity and address when they arrive at their polling station. They can do this with government-issued ID that includes an address and photo, like a driver's licence. 

Otherwise, voters can use a combination of various documents including something to confirm their identity like a student card, employee ID or library card, along with proof of address through documents like a voter information card, lease agreement or utility bill.

While some voters may be working on election day, employers are required by law to give employees a three-hour window to vote.

If voters make a mistake while filling out their ballot, they can exchange it once for a new ballot.

Affordability top of mind for voters

The future of the country is largely top of mind for voters, says Lori Williams, Mount Royal University associate professor of policy studies.

Voters' forward-looking perspective in this election is largely connected to affordability, Williams says. But while some connect affordability to domestic matters like housing and the cost of living, when other voters talk about affordability, they're concerned with Canada's relationship with the U.S. and tariffs imposed on the country by its southern neighbour.

"That future of Canada, tied up with affordability, seems to be a common thread that runs across a range of voter concerns," Williams said.

She added Calgarians are also particularly interested in which party can best support Alberta's economy, and how parties meet the challenge to balance the needs of the energy industry and the environment.

CBC's Party Platform Tracker compares the policies that each major party is proposing to voters on a range of issues. The CBC Vote Compass can show Canadians how their views compare to the major parties' policies.

Both the Liberal and Conservative leaders' campaigns visited Calgary earlier this month.

At Liberal Leader Mark Carney's campaign stop, he pitched that Alberta could be the heart of a new superpower in both clean and conventional energy to a crowd of more than 1,000 at the Red & White Club at McMahon Stadium.

On Friday night, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre held a rally that was attended by more than 3,000 supporters, where he pledged his party would "stand up" for the West.

"Here in Alberta, we're used to being a flyover province. We kind of get forgotten. There's not usually a lot of seats up for grabs here," said pollster Janet Brown, noting that Alberta has received increased interest in this campaign.

"Especially at the end of an election, [parties] usually zero-in on those locations where there's a lot of seats up for grabs."

Record high advance polling numbers

Elections Canada reported nearly 7.3 million advanced voters in this writ period, according to preliminary counts, which marks a new record for the country. The total included more than 815,000 Albertans which was about 169,000 more than advanced voter numbers in 2021.

More than 33,700 of those votes came from the Calgary Crowfoot riding — the highest turnout recorded among Alberta ridings during this year's advanced voting period, and fourth highest in the country.

Lineups at some Calgary polling stations were lighter than expected.

"No lineup. Gotta get out there early," Joel Freund told CBC News Monday morning.

"I heard advance voting was quite high, but I think the federal elections always turns out a few more people than the other ones."

Another Calgary voter, Jayden Glinka, said this election is important.

"I vote every time but especially this one. It's a huge vote. It is really important that everyone comes out and gets their votes in," Glinka said.

"With all the struggles that are happening with America and Canada, I think it's important we have leadership that reflects what we want. As a queer person, it is a real concern to make sure my federal government has my best interests at heart."

Tatiana Almeida Snow, meanwhile, said she's looking for specifics from candidates.

"This one is definitely important. There are some weird things happening in the world and we need to use our rights to speak up," she said.

"Mine is more related to human rights in general, and quality of life."

Overall voter turnout among eligible electors in Canada dropped to 62.6 per cent in 2021, from 67 per cent in 2019, and 68.3 per cent in 2015. The 2015 mark was the highest turnout Canada had seen since 1993.

After a drop in turnout four years ago, Wiliams believes the higher level of interest and concern in this year's election across the country will lead to more votes cast on Monday.

"I do expect voter turnout to be high, particularly in those ridings that are competitive," Williams said.

Up-to-date election results will be available on the CBC News app, and on the CBC News website.

Election day coverage can also be found on CBC TV, CBC News Network, Gem and YouTube beginning at 4 p.m. MT.