Advance voting for the federal election got underway Friday.
There were reports of long lineups of 40 to 50 people at a number of locations as numerous Calgarians tried to take advantage of the early polls, which run from April 18 to April 21, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. each day.
All of the early voters said they watched the leaders’ debate Thursday night.
“I watched both French and English leadership debates. They were both well-organized and under control. We got to hear a lot of their opinions," Jennifer Schmidt said, at Westbrook Mall.
When asked whether the debates had any impact on how she was voting, Schmidt sad, "It influenced my way of voting by solidifying who I voted for. Yes."
Alexander Keil likes advance voting because it’s convenient -- and important.
“It fits with my schedule, number one,” Keil said. “Number two, it’s really important to have my say in this. Just to make a difference.”
When asked why it matters, Keil said, “This election is important because of what we see every day in the news.”
Clifford Hogstead took advantage of the convenience of advance voting as well.
“Its important to get our votes in and we find it convenient to be in early,” Hogstead said.
He said the debate “solidified” his views on who he was voting for.
“Kind of standard fare – both Poilievre and the Liberal leader (Mark Carney) were well-spoken and the NDP leader (Jagmeet Singh) was intrusive with his comments and stuff while other people were talking."
For Schmidt, the message was simple.
“Canada, get out and vote,” she said.
The election takes place Monday, April 28.
For more information, go here.
With files from CTV’s Tyler Barrow and Kayla Rosen