According to a preliminary report from Elections Canada, 7.3 million people voted in advance polling held from April 18 to 21, which is 25 per cent more than the 5.8 million advanced voters in the 2021 election. This figure is not only a record-breaking figure, but it also highlights the increasing turnout of voters in elections.

The federal election is in full swing across the country. Advance voting runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from April 18 to 21. More than two million Canadians cast their ballots on the first day, the largest single-day tally. Long lines were seen at polling stations across the country, with many voters waiting for hours. Elections Canada spokesman James Hale said arrangements have been improved by adding more staff and polling desks to accommodate the high turnout. There are several reasons behind the record-breaking advance voting. US President Donald Trump’s controversial trade tariff policies and statements about making Canada the “51st American state” have raised awareness among voters. According to experts, rising trade tensions with the United States and economic uncertainty have made Canadians more motivated to choose their government. Political polarization and U.S.-Canada relations have increased voter interest in 2025 compared to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the National Post reported.
According to the survey, the real contest is between Mark Carney’s Liberal Party and Pierre Polivor’s Conservative Party. According to recent polls, the Liberal Party has a slight lead, mainly due to trade tensions with the United States and Trump’s comments.
Jagmeet Singh’s New Democratic Party (NDP) is in third place and the Bloc Québécois is in fourth place. Another interesting thing to note in this year’s election is that in the riding of Ottawa where Pierre Polivor is a candidate himself, 90 other candidates are running. This is a historic number of candidates in a riding. Elections Canada has made additional staff, polling booths and security arrangements there.
863,000 Canadian voters have applied to vote by mail. Elections Canada recommends that voters who are in their ridings cast their ballots in person. Northern Alberta has seen a severe shortage of poll workers, with more than 300 staff needed.
Foreign affairs are also a focus of debate in this election. Comments by President Donald Trump, such as making Canada the “51st state” of the United States, have heated up the political temperature.
Conservative leader Pauley has sought to strengthen his political strategy by describing the Liberal government’s policies as a weakness in the face of the United States. All parties have stepped up their campaigns as Election Day approaches. Rallies, television ads, social media campaigns and door-to-door campaigns are underway.
According to Elections Canada, 28.2 million people were registered to vote as of March 2025, up from 27.5 million in 2021. However, this number does not include increased registrations since the campaign began. Voters will also have the opportunity to vote with proof of their identity and address on the official Election Day, April 28. Special ballots, which include mail-in and voting at local elections offices, have also been returned by more than 754,000 people.
Experts say the surge in early voting could be a sign of an overall increase in voter participation. Compared to 62.6% voter turnout in 2021, this time the turnout suggests a potential turnout of 67% or more. According to Global News, the record was made possible by Friday’s holiday, pleasant weather and public interest in the election.
The record of 7.3 million advance votes signals a major shift in Canada’s political landscape. Ahead of the April 28 general election, the figures show that voters are aware of their rights and are eager to elect a strong government in the face of U.S. trade policies. Elections Canada is urging voters to stay active on the last day, so everyone can have their say.