Advance polls open across Manitoba

Advance polling stations are now open for Manitoba's 43rd provincial general election.

Starting Saturday, you can visit any advance polling station across the province to cast your ballot ahead of election day on Oct. 3.

"It's good to have that opportunity to get out and vote," said Ryan Ukno who was atOutlet Collection Winnipeg Saturday to vote along with his wife, Maribeth. "It is a little bit early, but at least you can kind of beat the crowd if you wanted to get ahead of the actual voting day."

Maribethaddedit's always been important for her to vote ever since moving to Canada. She added that while she's voted before, some of her priorities revolve around her six-year-old daughter.

"Difference now is because I have a child now," said Maribeth. "I want my child to see that voting is very important for her future as well."

Kinew, Lamont vote Saturday

Twoparty leaders vying to become Manitoba's next premier also votedSaturday.

Manitoba Liberal Party Leader Dougald Lamont was out Saturday morning at Club Eclipse in St. Boniface. Lamont said he's still "really optimistic" the party can "pick up a lot of seats" in the coming weeks.

He added although the Liberals were well behind in recent polls, he said that shouldn't be a deciding factor for voters.

"People should not be stampeded and be told how to vote based on polls," he said. "You should really be making these decisions based on what you think is going to be your best interest."

Elsewhere in Winnipeg Saturday, Manitoba NDPLeader Wab Kinew, flanked by his family, voted at an advance polling station at Outlet Collection Winnipeg.

Kinew said to expect a "few more press conferences" this coming week and that the party will be talking about health-care and the cost of living.

"I just feel very honoured to have the opportunity to put my name on a ballot alongside the rest of our team," he said.

Advance voting hours are generally from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, with some exceptions. You can find advance voting locations and operating hours online.

In order to vote, you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on election day and a resident of Manitoba for at least six months before election day.

You also have to bring one piece of government-issued photo ID with your address or two other pieces of ID. Your voter information card can be used as one piece of ID.

Advance polls are open until Sept. 30. Polls on election day are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"We want our voices to be heard and a lot of people kind of say they didn't want this person elected, well, here's your chance to get your voiceheard," said Ukno.

• Read full coverage of the 2023 Manitoba election here
• Find out where the parties stand on the major issues