Federal leaders’ debate has little impact on Edmontonians at advance polls

Thursday was the English federal leaders’ debate ahead of the April 28th federal election. With Pierre Poilievre, Mark Carney, Jagmeet Singh, and Yves-François Blanchet squaring off about important campaign issues ahead of the federal election.

Friday morning, advanced polls opened, giving Edmontonians a chance to vote early. CityNews asked some of those early voters if they watched the debate, and if it influenced their decision at the polls Friday.

“Right from the very beginning, I knew who I was going to vote for. So that didn’t really change anything for me,” said Herman, an advanced voter.

Evangeline, another advanced voter saying, “I’m still in a quandary, I hope I have it sorted out by the time I get inside those doors, but I was impressed with the civility and the verbal fluency of all of the candidates. I feel proud to be a Canadian.”

Of the people CityNews spoke with at the Edmonton–Centre advanced poll site, none said they were influenced by Thursday’s leaders’ debate. One man had his mind made up long ago.

“There needs to be a change in government, and I think that’s what I’ve been hoping for […] to me, even though it doesn’t matter who I’ve voted for, as long as there’s been a change. I think that’s what a lot of people want, just a change. Whoever you vote for doesn’t matter; it’s just that we’ve been dealing with something for a long time that needs to be changed,” Herman explained.

Some voted at the advanced polls Friday because they had time off on the holiday, some because they prefer to do it early, and Evangeline, who, upon arrival, didn’t know who she would end up choosing, but came early anyway.

“Because I’ll know by the time I get in the door,” Evangeline explained. Adding, she trusts her intuition, “Because you know, these are big decisions. And I like to not stress myself, so that’s why I come when it’s pretty much empty and take my time with final considerations.”

One sentiment was unanimous — the importance of having your say.

“Absolutely. Everybody should be out there. It’s our Canada, we have to vote. We need representation,” said Linda, an early voter.

Evangeline adding, “Because I’m a Canadian. And it’s my civic duty. And I respect that”