'Fast and swift': Voting made easy at Canada's largest polling station in Regina
Regina’s former Costco building on Victoria Avenue has been temporarily converted into Canada’s largest polling station.
Elections Canada referred to it as a “super poll” that combines 64 polls from the Regina-Wascana riding into one location, where thousands are expected to cast their vote Monday.
It’s the largest federal polling station in the country’s history, according to Elections Canada.
“It’s huge,” said Guy Loiselle, who voted Monday.
“I really wish we could do this every time there was an election, whether it would be provincial or federal.”
Under Saskatchewan’s newly reintroduced mask mandate, voters and workers must wear masks inside all polling stations. Masks will be handed out to those who do not have one.
“It was very COVID-friendly. There was lots of room, you’re not confused and everything was easy to find,” Loiselle said.
Caution tape and grocery carts were set up inside the warehouse to allow for physical distancing while creating separate aisles for each poll.
Based on the number at the top of each voter card, voters are directed to corresponding aisles to cast their ballot, with multiple checkpoints in between, according to second-time voter Mohammad Abdullah.
“It was pretty easy,” Abdullah said.
“It took maybe two minutes to cast my vote and then I just walked out.”
Polls across the province opened at 7:30 a.m. Monday. As of noon, Elections Canada estimated voters would be in and out of the super poll in 10 minutes.
Voter Kevin Dale McLean said he was impressed with the organization at the polling station and how quickly things came together in a snap election.
“It was fast and swift,” said McLean, who was out of the polling station in less than five minutes.
“I thought it was handled pretty efficiently.”
Polls close at 7:30 p.m. tonight.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES Tracking Hurricane Milton: Storm strengthens to Category 5 again
The U.S. National Hurricane Center designated Hurricane Milton as a Category 5 storm again after reaching wind speeds of 165 m.p.h. (270 km/h).
Hurricane Milton expected to hit Florida cities like Tampa, Orlando and Daytona Beach
Hurricane Milton is expected to leave a path of devastation across central Florida, from Tampa in the west to Daytona Beach in the east.
Meteorologist becomes emotional giving update on Hurricane Milton
A seasoned American meteorologist became emotional on air as he gave an update on a major hurricane, later suggesting the reason behind his strong reaction.
'I hope so': Marc Garneau on whether Liberal party still has room for Blue Liberals
Former cabinet minister Marc Garneau, who describes himself in his new book as always-a-Liberal, 'but a decidedly blue one,' says he hopes the party still has room for someone like him.
'Very' serious issue: federal transport minister on contamination in northern Alberta town
The renewed pleas of people in Fort Chipewyan, Alta. for government to take action cleaning up contamination in their community have reached the ears of federal Transport Minister Anita Anand.
'Extremely disappointed': Family of homicide victim storms out of courtroom as judge reads decision
Emotions boiled over after a judge acquitted two out of three defendants in a manslaughter case, while the third accused has since died.
Leaders condemn 'hateful rhetoric' at B.C. pro-Palestinian protest on Oct. 7
Political leaders are condemning what they describe as "hateful rhetoric" from a speaker at a pro-Palestinian rally in Vancouver who told the crowd that 'we are Hezbollah and we are Hamas.'
'I find it really disheartening': Family calls out police after Ottawa senior falls victim to theft in parking lot
On September 11, 80-year-old Madeleine Gervais was the victim of a theft in Ottawa's west end. It happened in the Loblaws parking lot in College Square, when she was approached by a man and a woman who insisted to help her load her groceries into her car.
Is it safe to buy from Temu and Shein? Here's what Canada says it's doing to try to protect consumers
As U.S. regulators push for an investigation into what they call 'deadly baby and toddler products' from foreign e-commerce sites, health officials in Canada say they haven't determined whether any laws or regulations have been broken.