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Fair Elections Act ass pain

Voters turned out in droves to advance election polls over Thanksgiving weekend. Elections Canada reports that more than 3.6 million Canadians cast ballots, a 71 per cent increase over the 2011 election. 

A lot is at stake, including for youth. In an effort to get young voters out to the polls early, the Broadbent Institute released a minute-long video October 9 titled Can’t Wait, which highlights the dramatic urgency – and anticipation – many are feeling. Its humorous undertone gets the message out loud and clear. “There’s a strong feeling in the country that it’s time for change, and we wanted to capture this sense of urgency,” says Broadbent Institute executive director Rick Smith. 

News outlets reported long lineups and frustrated voters at a number of advance polls. Perhaps it was a hangover from the robocalls scandal of 2011. Some observers blamed the Fair Elections Act, legislation passed by the Harper government earlier this year, which, among other measures, put in place more stringent ID requirements to vote. 

Here’s what you’ll need to vote October 19: 

• One piece of government-issued photo ID, such as driver’s licence,

with photo, name and current address or 

• Two pieces of ID, one showing your current address (could include a bank statement, bill, etc).

• If you do not have ID with a current address, bring two pieces showing your name. You can take an oath at the polling station. BUT: You have to bring someone with you who can verify your address.

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