Early voting open at University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina

Voters who wish to cast an early ballot in Canada’s federal election can register and vote on the campuses of the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina this week, with the polling stations remaining open until Wednesday.

The move is part of Elections Canada’s Vote on Campus initiative, and any eligible voter can cast a special ballot on one of the two campuses, regardless of whether or not they are a student.

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“For example, if an elector is away from their riding during the election, they can use the nearest Vote on Campus location,” Elections Canada said in a statement.

“To vote on campus, electors must show proof of their identity and address.”

At the U of R, the polling station is located in the College West Building, room 103. At the U of S, voters can visit the Roy Romanow Students’ Council Chamber to register and vote. The offices will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday through Wednesday.

Elections Canada noted that measures are in place to prevent double voting, and any suspected cases will be referred to the commissioner of Canadian elections. The organization also noted that international students who do not hold Canadian citizenship are not eligible to cast a ballot.

The on-campus votes will consist of special ballots, which do not include a list of candidates.

“Instead, there is a blank space for you to write the name of the candidate you’re voting for,” Elections Canada explained.

For voters who can’t attend the campus locations or have not yet made up their minds on who to support, advance voting will be held from Friday through Monday at various locations around the province and at Elections Canada offices.

Applications for mail-in ballots are also being accepted, with a deadline of April 28.

While Saskatchewan has been a sea of Conservative blue after the most recent federal votes, there could be some seats up for grabs in the province this time around. Liberal Leader Mark Carney and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh both visited Saskatchewan last week to drum up support ahead of the vote on April 28.

Carney’s event in Saskatoon was interrupted several times by demonstrators.

The election is heading into the home stretch, with candidates preparing for the debates later this week.

Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are both campaigning in Montreal on Monday, while Singh is in Toronto.

A French-language debate is set for Wednesday, and the leaders will debate in English on Thursday.

–with files from the Canadian Press