As Canada heads into election night, key details emerge about voter turnout and polling hours across the country.
Canada’s Election: Polls Close Nationwide Amid Strong Early Turnout
Canada’s Election: Polls Close Nationwide Amid Strong Early Turnout
Discover the synchronized closing times and increased participation in Canada’s federal election
April 28, 2025, 5:31 p.m. ET
In a highly anticipated election, polling stations across Canada are witnessing synchronized closures, reflecting the nation's six distinct time zones. Voting kicked off early in Newfoundland and Labrador at 8:30 a.m. local time, corresponding to 7 a.m. Eastern Time. Voters in Ontario and Quebec, the two most populous provinces, will have voting hours from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time, while British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, will wrap up its polling at 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
Elections Canada, the independent agency managing the election, reported over 7.3 million Canadians took advantage of early voting from April 18 to April 21, marking a significant 25% increase from early voting statistics in the 2021 election. These numbers reflect heightened engagement among voters this year.
Ian Austen, based in Ottawa, provides coverage on Canadian politics, culture, and society, bringing over two decades of reporting experience to his insights. He can be contacted at austen@nytimes.com.
In a highly anticipated election, polling stations across Canada are witnessing synchronized closures, reflecting the nation's six distinct time zones. Voting kicked off early in Newfoundland and Labrador at 8:30 a.m. local time, corresponding to 7 a.m. Eastern Time. Voters in Ontario and Quebec, the two most populous provinces, will have voting hours from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time, while British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, will wrap up its polling at 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
Elections Canada, the independent agency managing the election, reported over 7.3 million Canadians took advantage of early voting from April 18 to April 21, marking a significant 25% increase from early voting statistics in the 2021 election. These numbers reflect heightened engagement among voters this year.
Ian Austen, based in Ottawa, provides coverage on Canadian politics, culture, and society, bringing over two decades of reporting experience to his insights. He can be contacted at austen@nytimes.com.
